Davison County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Davison County in 2026
DavisonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Davison County, South Dakota. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and incarceration history through this resource. Record categories available through official channels include current jail rosters, court case filings, arrest records, and offender search results. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the custodial agency and the nature of the case.
Inmate records in Davison County may be searched through official government resources, the Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following methods outline the available channels for locating inmate information.
Online Search Methods
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Davison County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail and maintains booking records for individuals held at the Davison County Public Safety Center. Members of the public may access inmate information by contacting the facility directly or through available online resources.
To conduct a search, members of the public should contact the Davison County Sheriff's Office at the address below and request current inmate roster information. When searching, the following information is available for current inmates:
- Full legal name and booking number
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location (Davison County Public Safety Center)
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
Davison County Sheriff's Office / Jail
1015 S. Miller Avenue, Davison County Public Safety Center
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 995-8620
Jail | Davison County – Dakota At Home
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a South Dakota state correctional facility, the South Dakota Department of Corrections maintains a separate inmate search system. County jail records reflect pre-trial detention and short-term sentences, while state prison records reflect post-conviction placements for longer sentences. Transfers from county jail to state custody occur after sentencing and processing, which may take several days to weeks.
South Dakota Department of Corrections
3200 E. Highway 34, c/o 500 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3478
South Dakota Department of Corrections
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
When an individual is charged with a federal offense and held in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a publicly accessible inmate locator. This resource is appropriate when the arresting agency is a federal entity such as the FBI, DEA, or U.S. Marshals Service. The locator provides current facility location, projected release date, and register number.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., NW
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: (202) 307-3198
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
Additionally, members of the public may search for offenders by name or court case number through the South Dakota SAVIN offender search, which allows searches using only a last name.
Phone Search:
- Call the Davison County Jail at (605) 995-8620 for inmate information
- Staff can confirm custody status with the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Office hours are available during standard business hours; after-hours inquiries may be limited
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Davison County Public Safety Center at 1015 S. Miller Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Government-issued photo identification is recommended
- Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status and basic booking information
By Mail:
- Address written requests to the Davison County Sheriff's Office, 1015 S. Miller Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Include the full legal name, date of birth, and approximate booking date of the individual
- Processing time varies; written requests are handled during normal business hours
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in online systems
- Transferred inmates may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; check the South Dakota Department of Corrections
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (605) 995-8620 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Davison County?
Inmate records maintained by the Davison County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under South Dakota's open records law. Pursuant to § 1-27-1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, public records are open for inspection by any person, and government agencies are required to make such records available unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Booking records, custody status, and charge information for adult inmates are accessible to members of the public.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and jail population
- Booking information including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family and next-of-kin notification
- Support for legal proceedings
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations: South Dakota law recognizes the need to balance public transparency with individual privacy. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, is protected from disclosure. The release of certain information may also be restricted when disclosure would endanger the safety of an individual or compromise an ongoing investigation.
What Is Inmate Records in Davison County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. In Davison County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody. The Davison County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of jail records for individuals held at the county level.
The distinction between record types is as follows:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification, charges, and bond information
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including housing assignments and transfers
- Incarceration history encompasses all prior bookings and periods of custody within the county system
- Release records document the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses. State prison records, maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System and the Department of Corrections, reflect post-conviction placements for felony offenses carrying longer sentences. Federal prison records are maintained separately by the Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal crimes.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Davison County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (if available)
- Actual release date (after release)
- Custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, or no bond)
- Bond status (posted or pending)
- Bail bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level (minimum, medium, or maximum security)
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Davison County Prison System
The Davison County jail system is operated by the Davison County Sheriff's Office and is housed within the Davison County Public Safety Center in Mitchell, South Dakota. The facility serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
Davison County Sheriff's Office
1015 S. Miller Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 995-8620
Davison County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
- The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody
- Classification is conducted at intake to determine appropriate housing
- Security levels are assigned based on charge severity and behavioral history
Inmate Services:
- Medical care is provided on-site or through contracted medical providers
- Mental health services are available through referral
- Substance abuse programming may be available
- Religious services are offered to inmates
- Recreation and library access are provided in accordance with facility policy
Legal Services:
- Law library access is available to inmates
- Attorney visitation is accommodated during designated hours
- Public defender coordination is facilitated through the court system
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning is conducted for eligible inmates
- Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment are available
- Housing and employment assistance referrals may be provided upon release
Oversight and Accountability: The South Dakota Department of Corrections provides oversight of county detention facilities in accordance with state standards. Grievance procedures are available to inmates and are governed by facility policy and § 24-2-1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, which establishes the framework for the administration of correctional facilities in the state.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Davison County
Davison County Jail (Davison County Public Safety Center)
Davison County Public Safety Center
1015 S. Miller Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 995-8620
Jail | Davison County – Dakota At Home
The Davison County Public Safety Center is the sole county-operated detention facility in Davison County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to the South Dakota Department of Corrections. The facility operates under the authority of the Davison County Sheriff's Office.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring The Davison County Sheriff's Office may administer home detention or electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on charge severity, criminal history, and risk assessment. Members of the public seeking information on this program should contact the Sheriff's Office at (605) 995-8620.
Work Release Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility is subject to court approval and facility policy. Inquiries regarding work release should be directed to the Davison County Sheriff's Office.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Davison County are transferred to state correctional facilities operated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections. The primary state facilities include the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls and the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield. These facilities are state-operated and are distinct from the county jail system.
South Dakota Department of Corrections
3200 E. Highway 34, c/o 500 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3478
South Dakota Department of Corrections
Federal Detention Facilities
There are no federal detention facilities physically located within Davison County. Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held at federal facilities in other jurisdictions. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains jurisdiction over all federally sentenced inmates.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Davison County Public Safety Center | 1015 S. Miller Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301 | (605) 995-8620 |
| SD Dept. of Corrections | 3200 E. Hwy 34, Pierre, SD 57501 | (605) 773-3478 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St. NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Davison County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Davison County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Davison County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate information accessible through the Davison County Public Safety Center listing. This resource is completely free and requires no registration. Information available includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bonds, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated as bookings and releases occur.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The South Dakota Department of Corrections provides a free inmate search for individuals held in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information may also be available. Members of the public may access this resource through the South Dakota Department of Corrections website.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is a free resource for locating individuals in federal custody. The locator provides current facility location, projected release date, and register number.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Davison County Clerk of Courts may be used to verify custody status and view upcoming court dates. The Clerk of Courts office is located at 200 East 4th Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301-0927, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pursuant to § 15-15A-1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, court records are accessible to the public through the Unified Judicial System.
Free Phone Information:
- Call (605) 995-8620 for inmate information at the Davison County Jail
- Basic custody status inquiries are handled at no charge
- Staff can confirm custody status with the inmate's full name and date of birth during business hours
Free In-Person Search:
- Visit the Davison County Public Safety Center at 1015 S. Miller Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse
- Staff assistance is available during business hours at no charge
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are available at no cost:
- Online inmate search through official government websites
- Current custody status inquiries
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
- Video visitation through contracted vendors
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's contracted phone provider
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. As noted by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, members of the public should verify they are accessing official government portals when seeking court and inmate information. Official government websites carry a .gov domain designation.