Public safety leaders from across the region met in Rapid City on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion focused on ways to make area communities safer.
U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson unveiled an initiative aimed at reducing drug-related recidivism in South Dakota through tougher enforcement and expanded oversight.
Johnson proposed forming a task force that would bar violent offenders from parole, increase penalties for drug dealers, require overdose reporting in schools and improve statewide data tracking on overdoses. He framed the plan as a response to South Dakota’s high incarceration and recidivism rates, particularly for drug-related crimes.
While the proposal drew support, speakers at the event urged Johnson to pair enforcement with stronger social, medical and mental health services. Advocates, treatment providers and local officials emphasized the need for better access to addiction treatment, reentry support and data-driven policy to break cycles of incarceration.
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun also criticized the state’s approach to distributing opioid settlement funds, calling for a more comprehensive investment in treatment and recovery to address substance abuse, which officials say drives much of the state’s crime.
Johnson said his plan would focus on holding dealers accountable while maintaining existing penalties for drug-related offenses. He also reaffirmed support for education funding, raising concerns about proposed cuts to K-12 budgets and stressing the role of family stability and opportunity in preventing addiction.
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