CLARK COUNTY TRANSPORTS INMATES TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES, AS CODINGTON FOR HOUSING.
You can call the Clark County Sheriff or the Cottington County Jail to find out where the person is being housed. You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the South Dakota State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 605-882-6284, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Clark County Jail at 605-882-6284 to get it.
Phone: 605-882-6284
Physical Address:
c/o Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Clark County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 605-882-6284 for the information you are looking for.
Clark County Jail Inmate Search
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Clark County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
The Clark County Jail maintains an average of offenders in custody on any given day. The Clark County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Clark County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,920 offenders.
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To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 605-882-6284.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Clark County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Clark County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Clark County and other South Dakota and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Clark County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
Yes, Clark County recognizes most types of bonds.
In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution.
Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred.
People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.
In Clark County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.
The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution.
The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.
Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day.
More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Clark County Jail? What is the Schedule?
c/o Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201
605-882-6284
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 605-882-6284 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Clark County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Clark County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Clark County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Clark County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Clark County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Clark County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Clark County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Clark County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Clark County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Clark County?
This facility, known as "Clark County Jail" is also known as Clark County Jail & Sheriff , Clark County Jail & Sheriff , South Dakota, Clark.
