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Rapid Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rapid, South Dakota?

Arrest records are public in Rapid, South Dakota, pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, which establishes the state's public records law. This statute mandates that records produced by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records typically contain information regarding the detainment of individuals by law enforcement and are maintained by the Pennington County Sheriff's Office and the Rapid City Police Department.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), operating under the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state. Members of the public may access these records through established protocols, though certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information as outlined in § 23-5-7 of the South Dakota Codified Laws.

How to Look Up Rapid Arrest Records in 2025

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides several methods for accessing arrest records in Rapid City as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following official channels:

  • Visit the Pennington County Sheriff's Office in person to request records: Pennington County Sheriff's Office 300 Kansas City Street Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 394-6113 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Access the South Dakota Court Records system through the Unified Judicial System website, which provides public access to court case information, including arrests that have led to charges.

  • Submit a request to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for criminal history information: South Dakota Department of Public Safety 118 West Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3178 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Utilize the Pennington County Public Safety Hub for local arrest information and jail roster details.

Pursuant to § 23-5-12 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, requestors may be required to provide identification and pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. The fee structure is established by the state legislature and is subject to periodic review and adjustment.

Contents of a Rapid Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff's Office typically contain comprehensive information as mandated by South Dakota Codified Law § 23-5-1. These records generally include:

  • The full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
  • Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks, and tattoos
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • The date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
  • Detailed information regarding the alleged offense(s), including statutory citations
  • The arresting agency and officer identification
  • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as mugshots)
  • Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
  • Case numbers and identification codes for administrative tracking
  • Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
  • Court docket numbers for associated criminal proceedings

The Seventh Circuit Court in Rapid City maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests. These records may be accessed through the court clerk's office:

Seventh Circuit Court 315 Saint Joseph Street, Suite 220 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 394-2571 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in Rapid

The expungement of arrest records in Rapid City is governed by South Dakota Codified Law § 23A-3-27, which provides a legal mechanism for the sealing or destruction of certain arrest records under specific conditions. Individuals may petition for expungement if:

  1. The arrest did not result in a conviction or filing of formal charges
  2. The case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal
  3. The individual was granted a pardon
  4. The statutory waiting period has elapsed following completion of sentence for certain eligible offenses

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Seventh Circuit Court that handled the original case. Petitioners must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility for expungement and may be required to attend a hearing before a circuit court judge. The court filing fee for expungement petitions is established by state statute and is subject to change.

Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as outlined in § 23A-3-32. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is responsible for implementing court-ordered expungements in the state's central repository.

Individuals seeking expungement assistance may contact:

Pennington County State's Attorney's Office 130 Kansas City Street, Suite 300 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 394-2191 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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