Facility types, DOC visiting policy, and requesting policy copies
South Dakota DOC facilities are categorized by security level, and that level can shape how visiting works in practice. The DOC identifies South Dakota Women's Prison as a Level V facility, for example. The DOC also maintains a public "Offender Visiting" policy (policy number 300-23), which is a useful reference if you're trying to understand official rules across DOC prisons.
Need a copy of a DOC policy or attachments? The DOC says you can request one by calling the Policy and Compliance Manager at 605-773-3478. County jails publish their own guidebooks and rules too. Minnehaha County Jail, for instance, states its mission is to provide safe, secure housing and continued public safety. It has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual contact involving inmates, staff, contract workers, visitors, volunteers, or inmates housed in the facility.
Common Questions
Q
How do I set up NCIC (inmate messaging) accounts and what does it cost?
In Minnehaha County, you set up an NCIC account through NCIC’s website to use inmate messaging and related services. Minnehaha County uses this system for sending documents, photos, and mail, and it states that messages cost $0.25 each and picture messages or documents cost $0.35 each. The published NCIC rate sheet also lists video visits at $0.30 per minute.
Q
Where should I mail letters or photos for an inmate in Minnehaha County?
Minnehaha County states that general inmate mail (except legal and medical mail) must be mailed to a processing PO Box in Longview, Texas. Your envelope needs the inmate’s name and booking (or identifying) number, a return address, and the contents must be 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller with no more than 5 pages (front side only). Minnehaha County also states that mail sent to that PO Box will be scanned for electronic delivery and then destroyed, and it will not be returned or released.
Q
Are video visits monitored or can they be disconnected?
Yes, video visits can be monitored and disconnected. South Dakota DOC’s visitation platform warns that video visits are monitored and may be terminated if appropriate conduct is not maintained. If you are using NCIC video visitation in Minnehaha County, the published rate sheet lists video visits at $0.30 per minute.
Q
What ID do I need to bring to visit in the lobby or in-person?
For lobby visits in Minnehaha County, you must present government-issued identification. The jail lists acceptable forms like a driver’s license, a valid passport, certain state or county IDs (with a birth certificate if the ID does not show a date of birth), or a military ID with photo and date of birth. For DOC visits scheduled through the DOC platform, plan to check in 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and have a valid ID ready at check-in.
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