Codington County Sheriff Reports June Jail Increase, Seeks 2027 Budget Funding in Watertown

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Sheriff Brad Howell presented his June 2026 monthly report and 2027 budget request to the Board of Commissioners at Thursday’s meeting, July 30, 2026.

June 2026 Activity and Jail Population

The sheriff’s office recorded 565 cases and calls for service in June. Deputies served 50 warrants and 239 civil papers, while driving 3,265 transport miles for 16 individuals.

The average daily jail population rose to 62.4, an increase from 48 at the same time last year. Sheriff Howell attributed the higher numbers partly to state penitentiaries running at maximum capacity for both male and female inmates. The county is holding state inmates longer than usual, with the state reimbursing the county $95 per day after the first 24 hours.

The county’s 24/7 program tracked 118 participants in June, collecting $10,085 in fees. Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras logged 58,205 plate reads, prompting 45 targeted searches. One ALPR search directly led to the recovery of $2,500 in stolen tools.

Grant Application for Encrypted Radios

The sheriff’s office submitted a grant application for up to $450,000 to overhaul communication equipment. The grant requires a 0% match from the county, and the department expects award notification in August.

The proposed Motorola radios feature cellular, digital, and analog capabilities designed to eliminate communication dead spots in remote county areas. The new radios will also be encrypted, enhancing both officer and public safety by restricting civilian scanner access during active calls.

New DARE Instructors and National Night Out

Two deputies recently completed law enforcement training in Pierre to become certified DARE instructors. The department now has three instructors dedicated to serving rural schools throughout Codington County.

Sheriff Howell also announced the upcoming National Night Out event. It will take place on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Park, offering a chance for the community to interact with local law enforcement and fire personnel.

2027 Sheriff and Detention Center Budgets

The 2027 budget requests for the sheriff’s office and detention center incorporate a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a projected 10% increase in health insurance.

In the sheriff’s budget, the machinery and equipment line item increased by $24,400 to cover new vehicles, computers, SWAT munitions, and a Skydio drone. The fuel budget decreased by $20,000 based on recent department usage trends.

For the detention center, the utilities budget increased by $40,000 in preparation for the new jail facility, which is slated to open in August or September 2027. Conversely, the jail improvements budget decreased by $40,000, and the juvenile budget remained unchanged at $5,000.

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