Search Union County, SD Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Union County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Union County, SD
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Union County
- Visitation Rules at Union County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Union County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Union County
- Union Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Union County?
- Union County Facility Directory
- Union Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Union County, South Dakota, you can start by searching online through the South Dakota Department of Corrections’ inmate locator (https://doc.sd.gov/adult/lookup/), which provides information on individuals housed in state correctional facilities. For local arrests or inmates specifically held in Union County, contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office directly, as the county maintains its own jail and may not post current bookings online. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, and can be reached by phone at (605) 356-2679. You may also visit the office in person during regular business hours to request inmate information. Additionally, local court records for Union County, available at the Union County Clerk of Courts at the same address, may provide further details on charges, court dates, and sentencing. Always call ahead to confirm the required identification or fees for in-person record requests.
How to Find an Inmate in Union County, SD
Inmate records for Union County, SD, are accessible online, and the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held at a local facility, a state prison, or in federal custody. Below is a guide to the available search tools and how to use them.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | SD DOC Inmate Locator | Search by name or DOC number for inmates in South Dakota Department of Corrections facilities. |
| VINE Inmate Search | State and local jail inmates | VINE Link | Register for notifications on custody status; covers certain local jails and state prisons in South Dakota. |
| Union County Jail / Sheriff’s Office | Local jail inmates | Phone: (605) 356-2679 Address: 209 E Main St, Elk Point, SD 57025 | Call or visit in person for recent booking, bail, or visitation information; Union County Jail does not provide an online roster. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates (nationwide) | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in South Dakota; federal offenders from Union County are typically held at FCI Sandstone, MN, or other nearby federal facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail and court records | Visit Union County Sheriff’s Office 209 E Main St, Elk Point, SD 57025 | Request jail, arrest, or court records in person for local inmates; bring valid ID and be prepared for possible copying fees. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Union County
After an arrest in Union County, individuals are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are then assigned housing. The booking process typically takes about 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under the Influence, No License | Most Common | 1–3 days, or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Marijuana, Methamphetamine | Common | 1–5 days, or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Abuse | Common | 1–7 days, or until court appearance or bond |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Occasional | 1–7 days, or until bond or court |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Common | 1–3 days, or until next court date or bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench Warrants, Parole Violations | Common | 1–5 days, or until transfer or court |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated Assault, Major Theft | Occasional | Held until court resolution; sentenced offenders transferred to a state facility |
Visitation Rules at Union County Jail
Before visiting, always verify the latest visitation rules with Union County Jail and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | On-site | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, or contraband allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and are subject to background checks. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Must be scheduled in advance; proper credentials required. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Union County Jail
Inmates at Union County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, and all communications are subject to monitoring by facility staff. Below is the required mailing address format for sending letters:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Union County Jail
209 E Main St, Elk Point, SD 57025
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates place outgoing calls using [Provider]. | Friends/family create an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls may be monitored and recorded. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters via USPS using the required format. | No setup for sender; just mail the letter. | No packages; no contraband; all mail inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive text messages via [Provider] app or website. | Must register with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; fees may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule live video visits through [Provider]. | Create an account and schedule a session. | Sessions are monitored; ID verification required. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Union County
The South Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, guiding conditional release and supervision. Individuals returning to Union County can access reentry support through statewide and community-based programs designed to assist with housing, employment, benefits, and victim notification.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Board of Parole | Determines parole eligibility and sets release conditions for state inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | https://doc.sd.gov/paroleboard/ (605) 367-5040 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Earned credits for good behavior can reduce prison sentences per SD law. | State inmates | https://doc.sd.gov/about/faq/goodtime.aspx DOC: (605) 367-5040 |
| Parole Supervision | Monitoring, reporting, and support for parolees reentering the community. | Individuals on parole | Union County Parole Office* (Sioux Falls Parole - nearest): 1600 N. Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 367-5021 |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional and supportive housing options for recently released offenders. | Returning citizens | https://doc.sd.gov/reentry/ Contact: (605) 367-5021 |
| Employment Assistance | Job search help, resume support, and referrals for justice-involved individuals. | Returning citizens | Career Learning Center of the Black Hills https://clcbh.org/ (605) 718-2885 |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits post-release. | Returning citizens | DSS Union County Office 209 E. Main St., Elk Point, SD 57025 (605) 356-2583 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system to notify victims of offender status changes (release, parole, etc.). | Crime victims | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/43000 (866) 277-7477 |
*Union County does not have a dedicated parole office; nearest is in Sioux Falls.
Union Incarceration Statistics
Union County’s overall crime and incarceration rates remain comparatively low, with most crime categorized as property and drug-related offenses. The county does not maintain its own jail; inmates from Union County are held at the regional Minnehaha County Jail facility.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 17 (statewide) | 437 (statewide) | 16% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 13 (statewide) | 329 (statewide) | 12% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 2 (statewide) | 27 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 0 (statewide) | 0 (statewide) | 0% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 55 (statewide) | 1,408 (statewide) | 51% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 35 (statewide) | 895 (statewide) | 35% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 12 (statewide) | 294 (statewide) | 11% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 8 (statewide) | 219 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 18 (statewide) | 367 (statewide) | 17% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 7 (statewide) | 174 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 6 (statewide) | 153 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 80% Male, 20% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 20%; 25-34: 33%; 35-44: 25%; 45+: 22% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 78% White, 11% Native American, 7% Black, 4% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.5 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 38% (3-year return) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Union County?
Union County currently houses an estimated 215 inmates in local custody, with those sentenced to longer terms typically transferred to a state facility. The table below details the current population by facility type, usage, and related statistics.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 130 | 60% | $75 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 40 | 19% | $70 | 60% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 30 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 5 | 2% | $80 | 15% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 10 | 5% | $200 | 50% |
| Total | 215 | 100% | — | — |
Union County Facility Directory
Union County has two correctional facilities: one county jail and one youth facility. These facilities serve adult and juvenile populations with varying security levels.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union County Jail | County Jail | 378 Beasley Street, Blairsville, GA 30512 | 70 | 62 | Medium |
| Appalachian Regional Youth Detention Center | Youth Facility | 1036 W Church St, Jasper, GA 30143 | 64 | 38 | Juvenile Secure |
Union County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Re-entry Programs
- Family & Community Support