What are Pennington County Public Records?
South Dakota's Sunshine Law defines public records to include all records and documents, regardless of physical form, generated by government agencies. Public record data retains its originality irrespective of the changes to its form. Citizens are fully empowered and authorized to examine and copy public records and can be obtained during the regular business hours of government entities, except otherwise stated by the statute that such records cannot be disclosed to public view. Examples of records that may not be available for public inspection or copying include:
- Savings and loan association reports
- School records
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption records
- Hospital licensing and inspection information
- Medical research information
- Information about the protection of public or private property and any person on or within public or private property
- Personally identified private citizen account payment information, credit information on others supplied in confidence, and customer lists
- Financial information provided by or on behalf of a person, firm, or corporation in order to qualify for the submission of a bid or proposal.
- Drafts, notes, recommendations, and memoranda in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended are exempt from disclosure pursuant to § 1-27-1 to 1-27-1.15, inclusive.
- Any record relevant to a controversy to which a public body is a party but which record would not be available to another party under the rules of pretrial discovery for causes pending in circuit court are exempt from disclosure pursuant to § 1-27-1 to 1-27-1.15, inclusive.
- Documents or communications used for decisional processes arising from a person's official duties are not subject to compulsory disclosure.
Pennington County Crime Statistics
The Pennington County sheriff records the crimes committed in the county and sends the record to the Office of Attorney General. Division of Criminal Investigation is the criminal statistical center where the records are kept, maintained and updated. In 2018 Pennington County reported a total of 7684 part A crimes. The most reported crime is Drug/Narcotic Violations with 537, while negligent manslaughter and robbery with just 1 case reported. In 2018, the report showed a total of 2498, while the 2017 report showed a total of 2252, which shows an increase of 246 crimes.
Are Pennington County Criminal Records Public?
Pennington County Criminal Records are Public records that can be accessible to the public for inspection and copying. According to the South Dakota Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws, it guarantees public access to public records of governmental bodies. Criminal records may not be available to the public if the information in the records contains sensitive details that may violate the privacy of the record holder. Requesters can visit the Office of the Attorney General - Division of Criminal Investigation to obtain criminal records.
South Dakota Attorney General's Office Address:
Office of the Attorney General
1302 East Highway 14
Suite 1
Pierre SD 57501-8501
Phone: (Routine Business): (605) 773-3215
Fax: (605) 773-4106
How to Obtain Pennington County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested persons seeking Pennington county police reports and arrest records can contact the Rapid City police department. Requesters should clearly describe the needed records, detailing the name and address of the arrested person, and the nature of the offense. A fee of $8.00, including tax, will be paid to obtain the record. Requesters can request Pennington county police reports and arrest records at the following address:
Mailing Address:
300 Kansas City Street, Suite 101
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: (605) 394-4117
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:00 pm.
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays are closed to the public.
How to Find Pennington County Sex Offender Information?
The Division of Criminal Investigation (DIC) of the Office of the Attorney General maintains a searchable online registry of registered sex offenders in the State. The registry includes the offender's social security number, victim name, DNA sample, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers for local contacts and next of kin. The DIC ensures the information is current and accurate. Requesters can either do a text search or neighbourhood search on the online registry to locate sex offenders in Pennington County.
The text search contains the first and last name, alias, city, county, and zip code, while the neighbourhood search contains address, city and search radius to determine the actual location of the sex offender in a mile radius.
Where and How to Find Pennington County Inmate Information?
The South Dakota department of corrections maintains and updates inmates' records of all counties in South Dakota through its online webpage called offender locator. The statewide online database contains information like:
- Inmate Name (or any known alias)
- Incarceration date
- Expected release date
- Convicted offenses and photos
- Current facility
- Parole Office
- Correctional status
- Discharge date
- Physical descriptors
Requesters can access the online inmate search webpage only if they can provide the first name, last name, and DOC number of inmates housed in Pennington County jail. Requesters can also get the records in-person by visiting the address:
Pennington County Jail
307 Saint Joseph Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Phone: (605) 394-6116
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Pennington County Jail?
Visitors can visit inmates in Pennington County Jail in three different ways:
- Visit an inmate from a home computer (video visitation) using Smart devices
- on-site jail visitation
- Cellphone
For video visitation, visitors will have to create a one-time account setup. The Pennington County Jail charges $7.95 for 20 minutes for each video visitation; visitors will need the following for account setup:
- Internet access
- Smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer with the ability to take a photo
- Email address
- Phone number
- Valid Government-issued photo ID
- Debit or Credit Card
Once the requirement for the account setup is available, the visitors are required to do the following:
- Download the Securus Mobile app from Google Play or Apple Store. If using on a Laptop/computer, go to www.videovisitanywhere.com to set up an account.
- Follow the steps to create an account.
- Enter an email address and password
- Create security questions and answers
- Enter account information; name, email, phone number, address, debit/credit card
- Create a four-digit pin code
- Take a picture of your valid, Government-issued photo ID.
- Take a headshot picture (selfie) of yourself. (No nudity, gang signs, etc.)
- Submit.
The account information will be reviewed by Pennington County Jail staff. The requester will receive an email notification. If it's approved or denied. If it is denied, the requester will receive information to correct the errors. If approved, the requester will be ready to SCHEDULE A VISIT by doing the following:
- Open the Securus Mobile app or visit www.videovisitanywhere.com.
- Click Launch Video Visitation
- Click Schedule A Visit, Select Remote
- Choose Schedule for Pennington County Jail
- If your inmate is in Restricted Housing, choose Schedule for Pennington County Jail SEG.
- Approval may be needed to schedule for these inmates. Follow the prompts to request access to scheduling. You will be notified via email upon approval.
- Enter Inmate's Last Name or Inmate Number, Click Search, and Select the inmate
- If you cannot locate your inmate, refer to #7 or visit www.pennco.org/jail to verify the inmate is in Pennington County Jail.
- Press Schedule a Visit
- Select Duration, Date, Time
- Restricted Housing inmates must visit during their timeout and need to communicate the time to their visitors.
- Enter Billing Address and Credit Card Details
- Enter Coupon Code (if available)
- Submit
If cancellation is needed, 24 hrs notice is required. No exceptions. The cancellations must be made through the app or online. For assistance, call (605) 394-6116 press #4 or (877) 578-3658
For on-site jail visitation from the video kiosks in the Jail lobby, the visitor is expected to schedule a visit online stating the facility, guest details, a verification code, search for inmate contact either by name or id and finally fill out a session details stating the date and time of scheduled visit and duration of the visit. Public visitation in the lobby effective fr0m august 1, 2020 is available MONDAY - FRIDAY, 1:00PM - 5:00PM, excluding 2:00PM - 3:15PM FOR lockdown.
For call visitation, visitors are advised to call Securus Customer Service at 1-(877) 578-3658
Court Records
In Pennington County, the circuit court handles all civil, criminal, juvenile, domestic relations and misdemeanor matters. The circuit court is also known as the State's trial court, while the superior court receives appeals from the circuit court.
Pennington County Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 230
315 Saint Joseph Street #5
Rapid City, SD 57709-0230
Pennington County Court Services
P.O. Box 230
Rapid City, SD 57701-0230
Phone. (605) 394-2595
Fax. (605) 394-3373
Are Pennington County Court Records Public?
Pennington County Court Records are public records. However, not all court records can be viewed by the public. Some are regarded as confidential by the law. Examples of confidential court records include;
- Any information restricted from public access pursuant to Federal law, State law, or a court rule
- Records that may affect the general public if disclosed
- Abortion records
- Adoption files and records
- Abuse and Neglect court records
- Personal information of a party who had submitted a request prohibiting access to records.
Can You Look Up a Pennington County Court Case Online?
Interested persons can find Pennington County court records online using the record search page. Users will have to get registered to access the information and then request a Record Search Request Form which contains civil and criminal record search or inquiries, which cost $20 for record search. Any search will require full name and date of birth, at a minimum. For other record searches, there is a fee of $20 per name searched.
How to Obtain Pennington County Criminal and Civil Court Case Records?
The Pennington County Clerk of Courts maintains records of criminal and civil court cases. Members of the general public may submit in-person or mail requests for non-confidential criminal court records after providing the Clerk's Office with a description of the desired record. Interested persons may submit requests containing record details to the following address:
Pennington County Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 230
315 Saint Joseph Street #5
Rapid City, SD 57709-0230
Pennington County Court Services
P.O. Box 230
Rapid City, SD 57701-0230
Phone. (605) 394-2595
Fax. (605) 394-3373
Email: USJPARupport@ujs.state.sd.us.
What are Pennington County Vital Records?
Vital records in Pennington County are records that contain information about a life event. Vital records include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and licenses, divorce certificates, death certificates. By South Dakota Vital Record Law, Vital records are confidential records and are not open for public inspection. However, certified copies are only available to authorized parties such as the legal guardians, immediate family members, or any party with written authorization. The record will be open for public inspection after 100 years have elapsed. Vital records in Pennington County are maintained to be obtained from the Department of Health (DoH) upon request by an eligible individual.
Where and How to Obtain Pennington County Divorce Records?
Divorce Records in Pennington County are maintained by the South Dakota Department of Health (HOF) and the County Register of Deeds Offices. Eligible persons can also obtain South Dakota divorce records from the Clerk of the Court in the county where the divorce occurred. Interested parties can obtain a divorce certificate in person from the County health department and the County Register of Deed Offices in person or by mail. The requester will fill out the downloaded application to obtain a divorce certificate by mail or in person. Requesters must provide a copy of their photo identification. The requester may visit any of the following locations for in-person or mail requests.
South Dakota Department of Public Health
Vital Records
207 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501.
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Fax: (605) 773-2680
Register of Deeds: Audra Casteel
130 Kansas City Street #210
Rapid City, SD 57701-2818
Phone: (605) 394-2177
Email: audra.casteel@pennco.org
For one certified copy of the divorce record, the cost is $15. The fee for each copy of the record ordered online is $11.50, and via phone, the order is $11.50 with a credit card in the requester's name. Money orders or checks should be made payable to the South Dakota County Register of Deeds or the Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain Pennington County Marriage Records?
Marriage Records in Pennington County can be obtained from the South Dakota Department of Health (HOF) and the County Register of Deeds Offices. Marriage records in South Dakota are considered private and confidential. As a result, unauthorized members of the public are unable to gain access to them. These records, however, are freely accessible to the couples named on the documents, their adult children, and designated legal counsel. Marriage records for more than 75 years are open to the public. The requester will submit a completed form to obtain a marriage certificate by mail or in person. Requesters must bring a copy of their photo identification with them. For in-person or mail requests, the requester may go to any of the following locations.
South Dakota Department of Public Health
Vital Records
207 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501.
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Fax: (605) 773-2680
Register of Deeds: Audra Casteel
130 Kansas City Street #210
Rapid City, SD 57701-2818
Phone: (605) 394-2177
Email: audra.casteel@pennco.org
The cost of obtaining a marriage record is $15 for one certified copy. The fee for each copy of the record ordered online is $11.50, and the fee for each copy of the record order via phone is $11.50 with a credit card in the requester's name. A money order or checks should be made payable to the South Dakota County Register of Deeds or the Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain Pennington County Birth Records?
Birth Records in Pennington County can be obtained from the South Dakota Department of Health (HOF) and the County Register of Deeds Offices. Birth records in South Dakota are considered confidential. As a result, unauthorized members of the public are unable to gain access to the records. These records, however, are freely accessible to the couples named on the documents, their adult children, and designated legal counsel. Birth records for more than 100 years are open to the public. The requester will fill out the downloaded application to obtain a birth record by mail or in person. Requesters must bring a copy of their photo identification with them. For in-person or mail requests, the requester may go to any of the following locations.
South Dakota Department of Public Health
Vital Records
207 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501.
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Fax: (605) 773-2680
Register of Deeds: Audra Casteel
130 Kansas City Street #210
Rapid City, SD 57701-2818
Phone: (605) 394-2177
Email: audra.casteel@pennco.org
Interested parties can also obtain birth records online. Users can access birth records via the web portal to search the database for records by providing any of the following information:
- Birthdate
- First name
- Last name
- Sex
- Mother's maiden name
- Mother's first name
- Father's first name
- Father's last name
- County
- State file number (numbers required, not letters)
The cost of obtaining a birth record is $15 for one certified copy. The fee for each copy of the record ordered online is $11.50, and the record order via phone is $11.50 with a credit card in the requester's name. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the South Dakota County Register of Deeds or the Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain Pennington County Death Records?
Death Records in Pennington County are available at the South Dakota Department of Health (HOF) and the County Register of Deeds Offices. South Dakota considers death records to be private and confidential. As a result, unauthorized members of the public cannot access the records. However, death records for more than 100 years are open to the public. To obtain a death record, the requester will submit a completed form by mail or in person. Requesters must bring a copy of their photo ID with them. The requester may go to any of the following locations for in-person or mail requests.
South Dakota Department of Public Health
Vital Records
207 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501.
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Fax: (605) 773-2680
Register of Deeds: Audra Casteel
130 Kansas City Street #210
Rapid City, SD 57701-2818
Phone: (605) 394-2177
Email: audra.casteel@pennco.org
The requester will provide the following information in person to obtain a death certificate:
- Full name of the person whose record is requested.
- Sex of the person whose record is requested.
- Parents' names, including the maiden name of the mother.
- Month, day, and year of death.
- Place of death (city or town, county, and State; and name of the hospital, if known).
- The purpose for which copy is needed.
- The relationship to the person whose record is being requested.
Cost of obtaining a death record is $15 for one certified copy. The fee for each copy of the record ordered online is $11.50, and the record order via phone is $11.50 with a credit card in the requester's name. A money order or checks should be made payable to the South Dakota County Register of Deeds or the Department of Health.
