142 years ago, Sioux Falls chose to house inmates rather than scholars. As the state now plans to move the penitentiary from the scenic and often fragrant urban bluffs of the Big Sioux south to the empty but fertile prairie of Lincoln County, Sioux Falls may make the case that the state should right two historical oopsies and give Sioux Falls the state university campus it has long craved… right, Patrick Lalley?
Institute of higher learning? It’s kind of a reverse Springfield situation, where Gov. Bill Janklow converted a state college into Mike Durfee Prison, a minimum-security facility where today they crank out “governor’s houses.” Seems like a long way to go for the sake of irony [Patrick Lalley, “State Pen Packing Up and Leaving Town Is Window to Transformation,” Sioux Falls Live, 2023.10.05].
Whatever the state may let Sioux Falls do with the current penitentiary grounds once decarcerated (and Lalley’s contention that the state has done darn little for Sioux Falls makes me wonder if Sioux Falls should just eminent domain that land away from the state and have its way with it), the removal of the Pen certainly offers Sioux Falls a chance to reshuffle its economic development cards.
Alas, neighbors of the Lincoln County site aren’t sure they’re going to get any boon from hosting South Dakota’s hardest criminals. They just got done driving a stake in the heart of the carbon dioxide pipeline that Iowa Republicans wanted to ram through their county, and now South Dakota Republicans drop a prison in their midst:
Sarah Ulmer, who lives half a mile from the site with her husband and 16-month-old daughter, learned about her next potential neighbor about 24 hours before the state finalized the appraisal on the land Friday morning.
“I’ve lived here 10 years, and I’ve never feared for my safety when I’ve gone out at night,” Ulmer said. “That would be 100% out the door, knowing that that is a mile away from my home. These are murderers, rapists. These aren’t just somebody that smoked some pot or had a few traffic violations” [John Hult, “State’s Selection of Prison Site Upsets Lincoln County Neighbors,” South Dakota Searchlight, 2023.10.06].
Pause—actually, the majority of guests of the Department of Corrections are in for controlled substance and ingestion convictions. Four fifths of DOC inmates are in for non-violent offenses. 7% of DOC inmates are being punished for sexual assault; 0.5% are in for murder. So, yes, Lincoln County’s new Census inflators aren’t just somebody who smoked some pot, but only a small minority of these are murderers or rapists.
But even a small concentration of violent escape-minded convicts will create negative perceptions, and negative perceptions are no good for property values. That’s why Harrisburg Mayor Derick Wenck is on Ulmer’s side against the new pen location:
“Some of the landowners that I’ve talked to south of Harrisburg, they’re worried about their land valuation diminishing because having a prison system located next to the land and not being able to develop the way they would have hoped to in the future,” says Harrisburg Mayor Derick Wenck.
The city of Harrisburg was hoping to make the area less appealing for the prison site by denying a contract for the prison to use the city’s sewer system.
“I mean with or without our sewer system it sounds like they’re going to build no matter what. We just don’t have no contract with the prison to sewer their prison systems,” says Wenck.
…“We’re doing all we can to see if there’s a way to stop this, so we’ll see what happens,” says Wenck [Summer Raderschadt, “Harrisburg’s Reaction to New Prison Site,” KELO-TV, updated 2023.10.09].
Harrisburg’s man in Pierre, Representative Aaron Aylward (R-6), agrees with Mayor Wenck that the new penitentiary will kill Harrisburg’s growth:
Pause again—in 1880, Minnehaha County was the third-most populous county in South Dakota, behind Lawrence (gold!) and Yankton (territorial capital until 1883). Minnehaha leapt to first place in population in 1890 and has widened its headcount lead over the rest of the state ever since. There is some evidence that new prisons don’t bring economic growth to ailing rural areas, but Sioux Falls demonstrates that building a prison in a town does not kill growth. Besides, Lincoln County has enjoyed so much economic stimulus from Minnehaha’s sprawl, leaping over nine counties in population since its 1970 nadir to become South Dakota’s third-largest county and posting the largest median household income in the state, that it can likely afford to do Sioux Falls a solid and take on housing South Dakota’s most wretched scum and villainry—er, fellow fallen children of God—without seeing its growth curve bend back toward the dirt, just as Sioux Falls so spectacularly did during its first century and a half (though maybe the rapier-witted Aylward is ready to riposte that if Sioux Falls hadn’t taken the penitentiary in 1881, it would now be as big as Omaha!).
The District 6 House delegation is split; Aylward’s seatmate, Rep. Ernie Otten (R-6/Tea) says that the fields south of Harrisburg are “a pretty good site selection.” But old Ernie lives in Tea, a good six miles further from the new prison site than Aaron in Harrisburg, so maybe Aylward’s voice deserves more weight (rare for the Freedom Caucus boss, so let him revel in the possibility) in discussions of the new pen than his mainstream GOP colleague.
Of course, Aaron and Ernie are both missing the opportunity to avoid this fearful fracas altogether by figuring out how to lower South Dakota’s incarceration rate to that of the United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada, France, or even Cuba or Russia, which would end overcrowding in South Dakota’s state prisons and maybe moot the need to build a big new prison.
Too bad Harrisburg’s growth didn’t stunt before Aaron (Reinhard Heydrich) moved there.
It can be done. Methodically approach the task and stop acting like Governor Noem’s bully boys.
By following these steps, you can create a respectful and inclusive process for building a new South Dakota State Penitentiary that enhances the community and fosters positive relationships with the town’s residents.
1. Conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment: Start by engaging with the local community through town hall meetings, surveys, and interviews to understand their needs, concerns, and preferences regarding the new penitentiary’s location and design. This step will help address potential issues from the outset.
2. Select an appropriate location: Identify potential sites that align with the community’s preferences while considering factors such as proximity to transportation routes, infrastructure, and access to necessary services. Ensure the chosen location is not too close to residential areas or schools to safeguard public sentiment.
3. Establish an advisory committee or task force: Create a community-based group consisting of residents, local representatives, correctional experts, and other stakeholders. This committee will play an essential role in providing ongoing guidance, oversight, and feedback throughout the planning and construction phases.
4. Transparent planning and design process: Engage architecture and construction firms specializing in correctional facilities to develop concept designs that consider modern prison practices, environmental sustainability, and adhere to community preferences. Conduct regular community meetings to present the plans, allowing residents to provide input and address concerns.
5. Focus on community integration: Integrate elements into the penitentiary design that facilitate positive interaction between inmates and the community. This may include vocational training facilities, community service programs, or collaboration with local educational institutions for rehabilitation initiatives.
6. Employment and economic opportunities: Emphasize the potential economic benefits of the new penitentiary, such as job creation during construction and long-term employment opportunities for local residents. Establish partnerships with local businesses to provide job training programs for released inmates.
7. Enhance safety and security: Prioritize state-of-the-art security measures to ensure public safety and minimize concerns within the community. Engage local law enforcement agencies to address any concerns and establish partnerships for cooperation.
8. Environmental considerations: Implement sustainable design features, consider energy-efficient technologies, waste management systems, and utilize renewable energy sources where possible. This approach can help address environmental concerns and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
9. Open communication channels: Maintain a continuous and transparent dialogue with the community throughout the process, providing updates, addressing concerns, and actively seeking input. Regularly host public forums, send newsletters, and utilize social media platforms to keep residents informed and engaged.
10. Post-implementation community involvement: Establish ongoing community engagement initiatives even after the penitentiary is operational. This can include open houses, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, fostering a collaborative relationship between the facility and the community.
AI Generated
Prompt Engineered by P. AItch
Bob~~~Reinhard Heydrich, indeed!!!! Brilliant!
Mr. Lansing, who cannot write his own bloggings, fails to understand his libbie ChatGPT item number 1 is shot when the world always says “NIMBY.” ChatGPT is very libbie. You don’t build a prison by asking people where they want it, you tell them where it is going to be. That’s Dick Kneip’s way, and Mr. President Obama’s too.
Wrong, g-Nick. When a bully pushes people around people pound that bully’s ass. How’s your pipeline bully doing? Hmm?
I’ve not tried ChatGPT. I’m driving an AI Lamborghini. Don’t try it. It’s already smarter than you and learning more every time I drive her.
No one really thought much about the prison in Sioux Falls when we were growing up. We knew it was there, but no one cared. Dad would occasionally drive up that way when we would take a little family drive around town. Generally, the stench from Morrell’s was discussed much more than the prison. It was built like a quartzite sh*thouse, so we never thought anyone could get out. I recall a few did escape, but I doubt it was over or through the walls.
Good one, Don. Quartzite sh*thouse.
We’d come to Sioux Falls once in a while from Watertown for team sports. Always went right up to the prison. Grownups used it to try and scare obedience into the boys. That was some sh*tty leadership for damn sure. No wonder we all moved away.
when I was in high school, I remember the men’s prison (then, the only one…six women were housed in Nebraska), had a population of 110. Now it is 1500. “If you build it, they will come.”
If anything this points to the need for long term municipal planning with long term goals in mind. Effective zoning will protect residents from some inappropriate use moving close by, variances should be few and far between. A prison should be placed in an industrial zone and no where near a residential area.
Arlo makes a good point. Why does SD incarcerate so many more of our residents than other states? Is a change in sentencing laws needed? Are there more effective drug treatment policies than locking people up?
The Governor and the DOC SOC Wasko have decided: this prison is going to be built, near Harrisburg, in record time. Period. No arguments against it will be heard. Noem wants that on her resume – TOUGH ON CRIME, BUILT MASSIVE PRISON – and what Noem wants, she’s gonna get. Sigh…
To the AI known formally as “Lady Trobairitz“: Nick Nemec asks, “Why does South Dakota incarcerate so many more of our residents than other states? Is a change in sentencing laws needed? Are there more effective drug treatment policies than locking people up?”
South Dakota’s higher incarceration rate compared to other states can be attributed to a variety of factors. These factors include the state’s historical approach to criminal justice, its drug policies, and its sentencing laws. Now, let’s address each part of your question individually.
1. Change in Sentencing Laws:
One potential solution to reduce the high incarceration rate in South Dakota could be a change in sentencing laws. The state could consider adopting alternative sentencing practices that focus more on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rather than automatically resorting to incarceration. Implementing evidence-based practices such as diversion programs, probation, restorative justice, and community-based sentencing alternatives have shown positive results in other jurisdictions.
2. Effective Drug Treatment Policies:
Another approach that may help reduce incarceration rates is to prioritize drug treatment policies instead of automatically resorting to locking people up. Investing in comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs, diversion initiatives, and specialty courts like drug courts can be more effective in addressing addiction issues while reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.
By offering drug treatment options, South Dakota can provide individuals with the necessary support and resources to overcome addiction, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
3. Addressing Socioeconomic Factors:
Additionally, addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to criminal behavior is essential. South Dakota can focus on initiatives that combat poverty, improve educational opportunities, increase access to healthcare, and promote community development. Efforts to provide support and resources to individuals at risk of committing crimes can help create a more inclusive and equitable society, ultimately leading to a reduction in incarceration rates.
It is worth noting that each state has its own unique circumstances and challenges. A comprehensive analysis of South Dakota’s criminal justice system, including input from a range of stakeholders, would be crucial in formulating effective policy changes tailored to the state’s needs.
The fact that 80% of DOC’s inmates are serving non-violent offenses screams of what is wrong with the SD policing, prosecutorial, legislative, gubernatorial prison industrial complex. What a waste of taxpayer money.
It’s pathetic that SD, the legislature, governor, and DOC have no plan on what to do with the existing prison. They have no vision, other than warped vision.
The only uses for the old prison making sense are green space, or a university. The problem with a university is that the demographic pyramid, and recent experience, show declining college enrollments. Let’s see whether Sioux Falls develops a better vision than has the state.
How long has the state owned the land for the potential site?
People in Harrisburg will not have to worry about “criminals invading their homes.” No one escapes from the State Pen. Where they “escape” from is the Community Work Program, which will still be housed in Sioux Falls. And those “escapes” aren’t really escapees, they are people who walk away from jobs. This is just another case of NIMBY.
Why not Pierre? Center of the state, isn’t that why it was made the capital city? Plenty of water with plenty of room to grow. Pop the baby right up there where the mall was, but build on the bluffs. Close to the state supreme court so you can walk those appeals and hand deliver. NOem’s crew is good at building walls, so get the same crews to build the fences around this new place. Plus, close enough to grift easily!! The fear of spending 5 or 10 years in Pierre for a crime, would make any criminal second think their act.
A state-ordered lethal injection isn’t criminal justice; it’s suicide by cop and it’s the view of this progressive that anyone convicted of any felony requiring incarceration should be able to ask for a death with dignity rather than living a life of Hell in the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
Gov. Noem and SD Legislators have found “The Next Big Thing” for South Dakotans—“build it and they will fill it” prisons and jails.
South Dakota jails and imprisons men and women at some of the highest rates in the nation—largely for non-violent offenses.
The ongoing collateral consequences for those with an encounter with the law are harsh.
Lincoln County is living the incarceration dream large with $550M state prison and $55M justice center in the works–and new jail still to come.
Sadly, the voice for criminal justice reform in South Dakota to reduce costs has left the building with Gov. Daugaard.
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/SD.html
https://www.sentencingproject.org/app/uploads/2023/05/Incarcerated-Women-and-Girls-1.pdf
https://niccc.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/consequences
Does Pierre possess a sufficiently sized workforce to support the state’s largest penitentiary?
You see, folks we liberals know that South Dakota laws and policies classify petty nonviolent offenses as serious offenses. This absolutely contributes to your high incarceration rates.
Your timid population is overly concerned about crime rates resulting in strict sentencing laws for nonviolent offenses in order to provide a sense of safety and security to uninformed rural communities. This failed paradigm is also known as the “tough-on-crime” approach.
The overt racism and bias against poor people in South Dakota results in massive overrepresentation of nonviolent offenders in your prison system.
The psychology of “punishment versus rehabilitation” is rampant in South Dakota resulting in incarceration rather than alternative approaches.
Political and economic interests also come into play. SD has intertwined interests of government and sweetheart deals to the private prison industry causing unnecessary expansion of your prison system.
THE FIX: What your state needs is a liberal examination of policies, public attitudes, and bias within your statewide criminal justice approach.