Dangerous contraband found after South Dakota State Penitentiary placed on lockdown
After the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex were placed on lockdown earlier this week in Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Department of Corrections announced Thursday initial searches during the lockdown resulted in the identification and confiscation of “dangerous and illicit contraband.”
Items found include handmade weapons, other items that can be fashioned into weapons and unauthorized electronics equipment.
The Department of Corrections on Thursday identified and confiscated “dangerous and illicit contraband” from the South Dakota State Penitentiary, which remains on lockdown.
The Department of Corrections on Thursday identified and confiscated “dangerous and illicit contraband” from the South Dakota State Penitentiary, which remains on lockdown.
The Department of Corrections on Thursday identified and confiscated “dangerous and illicit contraband” from the South Dakota State Penitentiary, which remains on lockdown.
A press release from the DOC states that the lockdown was not a response to an assault, fight or disturbance, and no staff or inmates are injured. The lockdown was a proactive security measure to implement a full campus search, and the lockdown will continue until the search is complete.
“The safety of our staff is our No. 1 priority,” stated DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko in the release.
As of Thursday, the facilities were still on lockdown, though it remains unclear what prompted the campus wide search.
The DOC stated phone service for offenders is continuing to be being managed, and offenders are receiving meals and prescribed medications in their cells. Offenders also have access to commissary services as well as medical and mental health professionals as needed.
“This communication is very positive,” said Eric Ollila, executive director of the South Dakota State Employees Organization. “All good news for state employees. There also seems to be no risk to the greater public outside the (South Dakota State Penitentiary).”
The Division of Criminal Investigation within the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office was informed of the lockdown on Monday but has not asked to become involved at this point, spokesperson Tony Mangan told the Argus Leader earlier in the week.
This latest update follows an initial notice last week that the department indefinitely suspended general visitation services for inmates on the D Floor of Jameson Annex – an adjacent maximum security facility at the DOC.
This story is developing. Check back for more.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota officials find ‘dangerous’ contraband at prisons in lockdown
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