The SD Department of Corrections recently announced inmates are available to help with storm cleanup this summer and other community service opportunities. Over the last month, inmates have been certified to respond to natural disasters and are available at the Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Springfield, Yankton, and Pierre facilities.
“In South Dakota, we plan ahead to help our communities recover and deliver results by working together,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “While we hope a storm doesn’t hit our South Dakota communities, our Department of Corrections is prepared. This effort will meet the needs of our communities, all while saving taxpayer dollars, and giving our inmates valuable, meaningful work.”
Governor Rhoden previously ensured DOC was prepared to help local communities with summer storm cleanup, directing DOC inmates to assist in both Hudson and Custer State Park last year following several windstorms. Eleven inmates in Sioux Falls have been certified to respond to natural disasters this summer. Other inmates can load branches and clean up debris.
“Our department is looking to expand options for community service after seeing great success in Hudson and Custer last year,” said DOC Secretary Nick Lamb. “This type of training and work is not only a service to our local communities, but it is also a rewarding purpose for our offenders on the path to rehabilitation.”
The Department of Corrections is working to deliver several results, including:
- Preparing for quick disaster response;
- Providing inmates with valuable training and experience;
- Creating savings for South Dakota communities; and
- Helping homeowners recover from damaging winds.
Without a current storm to clean up, the department is also looking for other service opportunities for these inmates. Pierre female inmates recently participated in a community cleanup event, a photo of which can be found here. Communities interested in requesting inmate community service should contact their local prison warden or Deputy Secretary of Corrections Brent Fluke.