SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Handmade weapons, unauthorized electronics equipment and other items that could be fashioned or used as weapons are what the South Dakota Department of Corrections said they’ve confiscated this week amid a lockdown of the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex.
On Sunday night after 11 p.m., the DOC announced both prisons would be on lockdown status. On Thursday, the DOC released photos of some of the “dangerous and illicit contraband” found after initial searches.
The DOC said the lockdown was not in a response to a fight or an assault and the lockdown remains in place as of Thursday afternoon.
“The safety of our staff is the number one priority,” said DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko in a news release. “The lockdown will continue until the search of the entire complex is complete.”
According to the DOC, phone service for inmates “is being managed.”
“Offenders are receiving all meals and prescribed medications in their cell,” the DOC news release said. “Offenders do have access to commissary services as well as medical and mental health professionals during the lockdown period.”
According to the latest data from the DOC, there are 772 total inmates at the State Pen and 490 inmates at the Jameson Annex as of Aug. 31.
