Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have formed a new task force aimed at addressing crimes committed by parolees in Pennington County, officials announced.
The interagency Parole Accountability Task Force will focus on identifying and apprehending parole absconders and parolees with active warrants who continue to commit crimes while living in the community. The effort brings together personnel from the Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, South Dakota Department of Corrections Parole Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Pennington County 911 Dispatch.
Parolees are individuals released from prison before completing their felony sentences and remain under state supervision. Officials say some parolees have continued to reoffend, prompting increased concerns about public safety.
Beginning this week, task force officers will conduct targeted enforcement operations across Pennington County, including checks in high‑crime areas and coordination with parole officers to address violations.
Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller said the goal is both accountability and public safety. “If you are on parole in Pennington County, we have the tools and resources necessary to help you be successful,” Mueller said. “However, if you continue to break the law while on parole, we will work to ensure you are held accountable.”
Pennington County State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel said parole violations need to be addressed more consistently. “When individuals on parole continue to reoffend, it raises real concerns about public safety,” she said, adding that improved coordination among agencies is critical.
Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick cited several recent high‑profile crimes involving parolees, including violent offenses. Hedrick said law enforcement leaders will continue working with state officials and the Department of Corrections to review parole supervision policies and strengthen accountability.
Enforcement operations for the task force are set to begin during the evening hours of April 15 and will continue in the coming weeks.
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