Codington County Public Records / Codington County Arrest Records

Codington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Codington County in 2026

CodingtonRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Codington County, South Dakota. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, court case information, charge details, and inmate rosters through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court dockets, criminal history summaries, and bond information. All records are subject to applicable state law and agency disclosure policies.

Arrest records in Codington County may be searched through official law enforcement resources, the Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Codington County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that is updated regularly and made available to the public. Members of the public may access the current Codington County jail roster to view individuals presently held at the Codington County Detention Center. The roster includes the detainee's name, age, and the specific charges filed, referenced by South Dakota statute number. The document is updated on a rolling basis and reflects the population at the time of publication.

The Codington County Detention Center page provides additional information regarding facility operations, visitation policies, and inmate services. Individuals seeking arrest records beyond the current roster may submit a public records request directly to the Sheriff's Office.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Watertown Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Codington County. Arrest information originating from Watertown Police Department activity may appear in court records accessible through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. Press releases and public notices regarding arrests are periodically issued by the department and may be accessed through the City of Watertown's official communications channels.

Watertown Police Department
23 2nd St NE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6210
City of Watertown

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Codington County are filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court. Members of the public may search for associated court cases by name through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Access Record System, which reflects docket entries in criminal matters, domestic protection orders, and stalking protection orders. As stated by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, "The public information viewed on the Public Access Record System reflects the docket entries in criminal, domestic protection orders, stalking protection" cases open to public inspection.

Additionally, South Dakota eCourts provides access to court records open to the public, with the caveat that "certain records may not be available in accordance with" applicable statutes and court rules. The South Dakota court records access portal offers multiple search methods, including name-based searches that allow users to identify court cases linked to a specific arrest.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety maintains state-level law enforcement records, including driving records and crash reports. Criminal history record information at the state level is maintained by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Certified criminal history background checks may be requested through the DCI for a fee. The standard fee for a name-based criminal history check is $15.00, and fingerprint-based checks carry a higher fee. These records include arrests, dispositions, and conviction information from jurisdictions throughout South Dakota.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Codington County Sheriff's Office
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6210
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Codington County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Codington County Clerk of Courts – Fifth Judicial Circuit
14 1st Ave SE, Suite 1
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System

Criminal case files may be inspected at the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed at the standard rate established by the South Dakota Supreme Court.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Codington County Sheriff's Office at 14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (605) 882-6210
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Watertown Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Codington County

Arrest records in Codington County are public records under South Dakota law. Pursuant to § 1-27-1 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. This presumption of openness reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability.

Arrest records are maintained as public documents for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
Background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
Use in legal proceedings by attorneys and courts

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest, including statute numbers
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under South Dakota law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

South Dakota's public records framework is grounded in the principle that open government serves the public interest. The South Dakota Constitution and the state's open records statutes balance transparency with individual privacy rights. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information, while due process principles recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA and applicable state employment laws. South Dakota does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law, but federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may expose employers to legal risk under certain circumstances.

What's in Codington County Arrest Records

Codington County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during subsequent processing.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Watertown Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
South Dakota statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Fifth Judicial Circuit)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public records)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not routinely released to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court records, criminal history repositories, and other databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Codington County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court dockets at no charge through online portals maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, including the Public Access Record System and South Dakota eCourts. In-person inspection of physical records at the Clerk of Courts or Sheriff's Office is also available at no charge during regular business hours.

Fees apply when copies of records are requested. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$1.00 (varies by agency)
Certified court record copies	$2.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee)
State criminal history (name-based)	$15.00
State criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$43.25 (includes FBI fee)
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency

Fees for copies of records held by the Codington County Sheriff's Office are governed by the agency's standard fee schedule. Fees for court records are established by the South Dakota Supreme Court pursuant to applicable court rules. The South Dakota public records request portal provides guidance on submitting requests to state agencies and applicable fee structures.

Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Courts and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order. Online payment options may be available through the South Dakota eCourts system for electronic record requests.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Codington County

South Dakota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under current South Dakota law, these remedies are available in limited circumstances and are not automatic.

Expungement refers to the legal process by which arrest records are destroyed or removed from public databases following a court order. Pursuant to § 23A-3-17 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Eligibility conditions include:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecutor declined to file charges
The individual successfully completed a diversion program

Individuals convicted of an offense are not eligible for expungement of the arrest record associated with that conviction under current South Dakota law, with limited exceptions for certain first-time offenders who have completed their sentence and met applicable waiting periods.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain the case number and arrest record from the Clerk of Courts
Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Clerk of Courts
File the petition in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Codington County
Serve the petition on the State's Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the record

Codington County State's Attorney's Office
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095

Fifth Judicial Circuit Court – Clerk of Courts
14 1st Ave SE, Suite 1
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095
South Dakota Unified Judicial System

Following a court order for expungement, the Codington County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the court order and may require separate notification and dispute processes under the FCRA.

What Happens After Arrest in Codington County?

The post-arrest process in Codington County follows a structured sequence governed by South Dakota law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Codington County Detention Center, the county's primary detention facility. Transport is conducted by the arresting officer, and the individual remains in restraints during transport. In some circumstances, a brief hold at the scene may occur while the investigation is completed.

Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6210
Detention Center – Codington County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical and brief mental health screening completed
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under South Dakota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System maintains court schedules and case information accessible to the public.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Granted based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release on bond may be subject to conditions including check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Detention Center
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation by the South Dakota Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and financial circumstances.

South Dakota Public Defender's Office – Watertown
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of South Dakota maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the Detention Center are conducted in confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Codington County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review process may result in:

Filing of a formal criminal information
A request for additional investigation
A decision to decline prosecution
Filing of different or additional charges from those listed at booking

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in South Dakota are:

Not guilty
Guilty
Nolo contendere (no contest), in certain circumstances

The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences are held to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete a pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court program, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed-upon charges and sentencing recommendations
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (If Convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to resolution	Months (varies by case complexity)
Misdemeanor cases	Typically resolved within 90–180 days
Felony cases	Typically resolved within 6–18 months

South Dakota's constitutional right to a speedy trial requires that cases proceed without unreasonable delay.

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Codington County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6210
Codington County Sheriff's Office

Codington County Clerk of Courts
14 1st Ave SE, Suite 1
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095
South Dakota Unified Judicial System

Codington County State's Attorney's Office
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5095

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent, stated politely
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Codington County?

Records retention in Codington County is governed by South Dakota state law and the records retention schedules established by the South Dakota State Records Center and Archives. Pursuant to § 1-27-19 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) for nationwide law enforcement access

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records
Local law enforcement records retained per agency retention schedule, at minimum for the duration of the sentence plus applicable years

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained per agency schedule, subject to expungement petition
Court records are retained and remain accessible unless expunged by court order
State repository records may remain unless updated following expungement

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained per agency schedule
May be eligible for expungement under § 23A-3-17

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained per agency schedule
May be eligible for expungement petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the approved state retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Records management system entries are retained, in many cases permanently
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per agency schedule
Court electronic records through South Dakota eCourts are retained permanently for most case types

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Codington County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the South Dakota records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition
Phone: (605) 882-6210

Watertown Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per applicable state retention schedules
Phone: (605) 882-6210

Clerk of Courts:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following case closure
Electronic records through South Dakota eCourts: Permanent

South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation:

Maintains the state criminal history repository
Retains records from all jurisdictions in South Dakota
Records are updated upon receipt of disposition information and court orders

FBI Database:

NCIC and III records are retained at the federal level, typically permanently
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and firearms purchases

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent retention in all databases
Dismissal	Remains unless expunged by court order
Acquittal	Remains in court records; may be expunged
No charges filed	Shortest retention; may be eligible for removal
Expungement granted	Local and state records updated; third-party databases not automatically updated

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible online through the Public Access Record System and the current inmate roster
Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and retrieval fees
Very old records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely for positions with salaries above applicable thresholds. South Dakota does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal requirements. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in many regulated industries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Codington County Sheriff's Records Division at (605) 882-6210 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.