Codington County Detention Center – Watertown, SD

Codington County Detention Center is in Codington County, SD and is the correctional facility for this area. Are you looking for someone in jail at Codington County Detention Center? This guide gives you about everything related to Codington County Detention Centersuch as the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give information and tips you need to make the process easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and don’t know how to locate them?

Has a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Codington County Detention Center you will have to go to their website and perform an inmate search.

The Codington County Detention Center Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested, including status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find info about anyone arrested and processed or released within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate their arrest information quicker if you’ve got the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for may be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check our South Dakota county jail guide: South Dakota County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a booking picture, is a picture that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can view them at the Codington County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter their full name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken off of the Codington County Detention Center site? This is difficult, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you are in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not go out of town.

Typically, prisoners in the Codington County Detention Center will earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Codington County Detention Center website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it’s easy. First, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This money will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will answer some simple questions, like what is your full name, address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you make a telephone call to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that might help others get through jail intake?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged will take from 30 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, it depends on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate must decide on how much your bail will be. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, you should expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell an officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Just bring required items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the official sentencing order.

The inmate must give each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be put into the visitors log for the inmate. Each visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Codington County Detention Center visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to review the jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much pricier than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls could be reduced or cut altogether.

The Codington County Detention Center phone number is: (605) 882-6284

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a box or package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Codington County Detention Center is:

Codington County Detention Center
14 Lst Ave. Se
Watertown, SD 57201

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Codington County Detention Center
14 Lst Ave. Se
Watertown, SD 57201

The mail policy at Codington County Detention Center can change, so be sure to visit the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated legal system. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in South Dakota.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records contain a file with a docket and all documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case. They do many different things, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember that you can request to get a copy of this report before sentencing, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

You can you should access the Codington County jail website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Codington County court website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Codington County jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and this is freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but you should know that you can’t see the precise address, just the block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access court records on the website, or at the Codington County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. Go to the Codington County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find out if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback could help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Codington County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Codington County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6am, and then roll call. You will then have breakfast. Following breakfast you will have to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Codington County Detention Center, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Codington County Detention Center uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The rules for sending funds to inmates changes, so you should review the official website before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Codington County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Codington County Detention Center, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Codington County Detention Center

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time at this jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your experience so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with someone from jail? Write your message below.

Send a message


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