Brookings County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Brookings County?
Inmate records in Brookings County are official documents created and maintained by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office and its detention facility to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: the Brookings County Circuit Court maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, while the jail maintains custody-specific documentation that tracks an individual from the moment of booking through release.
The record lifecycle begins at intake, when a booking officer enters the individual's personal identifying information, the arresting agency's report, and the charges alleged. The record is updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical flags, and court transport dates. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1, public records are broadly defined to include documents made or received by a government entity in connection with the transaction of public business, a definition that encompasses jail booking and custody records maintained by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office.
Brookings County Sheriff's Office 2000 8th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 696-8300 Brookings County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Brookings County?
Inmate records in Brookings County are generally accessible to the public under South Dakota's open-records framework. South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1.1 establishes a presumption of openness for all government records, requiring agencies to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. Correctional records are not categorically exempt from this statute, meaning that basic custody information is available to any member of the public without requiring a statement of purpose or a court order.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public through the Brookings County Sheriff's Office or its online systems:
- Current inmate roster listing individuals held in the Brookings County Jail
- Booking and arrest records, including date, time, and arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of booking
- Mugshots captured during the intake process
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Expected release dates or scheduled court appearance dates
- The name of the housing facility where the individual is detained
Certain records remain restricted, including medical and mental health information, juvenile records, and information that could compromise an ongoing investigation. Agencies may withhold records under specific exemptions enumerated in South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1.5.
What's Included Inmate Records in Brookings County
Inmate records maintained by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of information compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender, race, and physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color)
- Identifying marks, scars, or tattoos
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing unit and cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold for another agency)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statute citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation)
- Offense date and jurisdiction
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court appearance date and time
- Presiding court and case number
- Defense counsel of record, if assigned
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and start date
- Good-time or earned-time credits applied
- Projected release date based on sentence calculation
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, dismissal)
- Conditions of release or supervision requirements
Brookings County Prison System
Brookings County operates a single local detention facility administered by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office. The county jail is designed to hold individuals for pre-trial detention, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions, and individuals awaiting transfer to a South Dakota Department of Corrections facility. This structure distinguishes the county jail from state prisons: county jails house short-term and pre-trial populations, while the South Dakota Department of Corrections manages individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year in state penitentiaries and correctional centers.
Brookings County Sheriff's Office / Brookings County Jail 2000 8th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 696-8300 Brookings County Sheriff's Office
South Dakota Department of Corrections 3200 East Highway 34, c/o 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3478 South Dakota Department of Corrections
Types of Correctional Facilities In Brookings County
Brookings County currently operates one primary correctional facility serving the county's detention needs.
Brookings County Jail 2000 8th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 696-8300 Brookings County Sheriff's Office
The Brookings County Jail is a county-operated detention facility functioning under the authority of the Brookings County Sheriff. It serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested within Brookings County and surrounding jurisdictions under cooperative agreements. The facility processes all bookings for the county, houses pre-trial detainees, and accommodates individuals serving short-term sentences. Individuals sentenced to longer terms are transferred to a South Dakota Department of Corrections facility.
For individuals involved in the state correctional system, the South Dakota Department of Corrections maintains several facilities statewide, including the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls and the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield.
Who's in Prison In Brookings County
The Brookings County Jail holds several distinct populations at any given time. Pre-trial detainees who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted make up a significant portion of the jail population; these individuals are presumed innocent under law and are held because they have not posted bond or have been denied bail. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of up to one year following conviction in Brookings County Circuit Court are also housed at the facility. Additionally, the jail holds individuals on detainers or holds placed by other agencies, including federal immigration detainers, out-of-county warrants, and state parole or probation violation holds. Individuals awaiting transfer to a South Dakota Department of Corrections facility following sentencing on felony charges may also be temporarily housed at the Brookings County Jail.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Brookings County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Brookings County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
-
Online Inmate Roster: The Brookings County Sheriff's Office may maintain a current inmate roster on its official website. Members of the public may visit the Brookings County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail or inmate information section to search by name.
-
South Dakota SAVIN System: The South Dakota Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system allows the public to conduct an offender search by name or identification number across facilities statewide, including county jails participating in the system.
-
In-Person Records Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the Brookings County Sheriff's Office at 2000 8th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006, during regular business hours to request booking records or custody information. Staff will process requests pursuant to South Dakota's open-records statute.
-
Written Public Records Request: A written request may be submitted by mail or email to the Brookings County Sheriff's Office. The request should identify the individual by full name and date of birth and specify the records sought. Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1.1, agencies are required to respond to public records requests in a timely manner.
-
Court Records Search: For case-related information, members of the public may search the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's public access portal at ujs.sd.gov to locate case numbers, charges, and court dates associated with an individual.
How To Find an Inmate in Brookings County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Brookings County or elsewhere in South Dakota.
- Brookings County Sheriff's Office Website: The official Brookings County Sheriff's Office website may provide a free online inmate search tool or current roster at no charge.
- South Dakota SAVIN Offender Search: The South Dakota SAVIN portal provides free public access to offender location information for individuals in custody across participating South Dakota facilities. Users may search by name or offender number.
- South Dakota Department of Corrections Offender Search: The South Dakota Department of Corrections maintains a free online offender search for individuals in state custody.
- Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Brookings County Jail directly at (605) 696-8300 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
- South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Court records, including case status and next appearance dates, are searchable at no cost through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System public access portal.
How To Visit an Inmate In Brookings County
Visitation at the Brookings County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved by the facility before a visit is permitted. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult guardian.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office and are subject to change based on facility operations, staffing, and lockdown status. Members of the public should contact the jail directly at (605) 696-8300 to confirm current visitation days and times before arriving.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages for the inmate
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to visitors who do not comply with the dress code.
Visit Types The Brookings County Jail may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits and video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and available facility resources.
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules. Individuals with active warrants, individuals on probation or parole, or individuals with a criminal history involving the facility may be denied visitation at the discretion of jail administration.
How To Send Money to a Brookings County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses within the facility.
Methods for Sending Money
- In-Person Deposit: Funds may be deposited in person at the Brookings County Jail lobby using an approved kiosk or through the facility's designated deposit process.
- Online Deposit: Third-party services approved by the Brookings County Sheriff's Office may allow online deposits via credit or debit card. Members of the public should confirm the approved vendor by contacting the jail at (605) 696-8300.
- Money Order by Mail: Money orders made payable to the inmate, with the inmate's full name and booking number noted, may be mailed to the Brookings County Jail at 2000 8th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006.
Amount Limits Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week are set by facility policy. Members of the public should confirm current limits directly with the Brookings County Jail.
Fees Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but service provider fees vary.
What You Cannot Send Cash sent by mail is not accepted. Personal checks are generally not accepted. Funds from unverified or anonymous sources will be rejected.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence postage. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order or facility authorization.
How To Send Jail Mail In Brookings County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Brookings County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security protocols and applicable South Dakota law.
Mailing Address All mail must be addressed to the inmate using the following format: Inmate Full Name, Booking Number Brookings County Jail 2000 8th Street South Brookings, SD 57006
Rules for Sending Mail
- All envelopes must include the sender's full name and return address; anonymous mail will not be delivered.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper; colored paper, glitter, stickers, or other embellishments are generally prohibited.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; Polaroid photos and photos with explicit content are typically prohibited.
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual sender.
- No contraband, including drugs, alcohol, or weapons, may be included in any correspondence; violations may result in criminal charges.
- Mail containing threatening, harassing, or otherwise prohibited content will be rejected and may be forwarded to law enforcement.
- Incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband before delivery to the inmate.
Members of the public may contact the Brookings County Sheriff's Office at (605) 696-8300 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence.