Overcrowded women’s prison receiving attention in legislative hearings

5-26-22

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX-AM) — The overcrowded women’s prison in Pierre got a lot of attention in legislative hearings over the past two weeks.

Corrections Department Secretary Kellie Wasko told the Appropriations Committee that it’s very difficult to provide needed drug and alcohol rehabilitation in that type of situation:

Wasko says many of the female prisoners get no attention at all:

Wasko says in the short term, they will do what they can:

Wasko, who was appointed to the job in March, also spoke to the Government Operations and Audit Committee.

The legislature has a committee appointed that will study the corrections system through the summer.