Codington County Sheriff's Office Reports Strong Revenue, Tests New Technology

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Codington County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Brad Howell, provided the County Commissioners with a detailed monthly report on the department's activity and revenue for October 2025. The statistics highlight significant financial intake from various services, an active inmate monitoring program, and the introduction of new law enforcement technology.

Financial and Correctional Activity

The Sheriff's Office reported revenue from its operations, with collected fees being retained by the County.

·        Office Fees: $13,216.79 was collected in office fees.

·        Contract Services Revenue: The office collected a total of $31,076.10 from several correctional programs:

o   $14,090.35 from out-of-county prisoner contracts.

o   $13,075.75 from the 24/7 sobriety program fees.

o   $3,910.00 from work release fees.

·        Commissary: An additional $3,185.96 in commission fees was retained by the County from ATM, kiosk, and commissary sales at the Detention Center.

The Detention Center had an average daily inmate population of 49 in October, ranging from 40 to 55. There were 195 bookings completed during the month.

Community Monitoring and Law Enforcement Response

The report indicated a busy month for law enforcement response and active community monitoring programs:

·        Calls and Reports: Deputies handled 563 cases/calls for service and completed 28 accident reports.

·        Warrants and Civil Papers: The office was actively serving legal documents, completing 53 warrants served and 243 sets of civil papers served.

·        Transport: Deputies logged 3,220 transport miles.

·        24/7 Program Monitoring: A total of 73 individuals were being monitored using electronic devices or scheduled testing for sobriety:

o   15 individuals were wearing SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) bracelets.

o   12 individuals were using remote breathalyzers.

o   55 individuals were tested twice daily via Preliminary Breath Tests (PBTs), and 46 individuals were tested twice weekly for Urine Analysis (UA) drug testing. No individuals were reported to be wearing a sweat patch.

Training and New Technology

Sheriff Howell also updated the board on training initiatives and a new technology trial, which included the following:

·        Two deputies completed Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) continuing education courses.

·        A deputy took a course on how to operate and maintain the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle owned by the county.

·        The department is currently conducting training for tasers that were purchased previously.

·        The Sheriff’s Office signed a 60-day agreement to test FLOCK cameras, a type of license plate reader that will be integrated with the cameras already in patrol vehicles. This trial is being conducted at no cost to Codington County.