New security measures at South Dakota Capitol working smoothly

January 29, 2020

PIERRE, S.D.–Newly adopted security measures at the State Capitol in Pierre appear to be working.

State Troopers and Department of Public Safety Officers have turned away only five prohibited items in the first two weeks of operation.

“We have been very pleased with how the Capitol Security system has worked in its first two weeks,” says Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Rick Miller.

All five instances involved knives over two and a half inches in length and the owners were permitted to take them back to their vehicles.

Miller wrote in a statement to the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, “The screening system has operated smoothly, resulting in visitors to the Capitol getting through the process quickly and efficiently. We also want to thank the public for its cooperation and for adhering to the list of items that are not allowed in the Capitol. This system has done what we had hoped – keep the people safe while keeping the Capitol open to the public.”

Properly permitted concealed carry pistols are also being allowed for the first time. Officials say there have been no issues concerning the concealed carry of firearms within the Capitol, but they stress the need to notify Capitol Security 24 hours before arriving at the Capitol.