Disciplinary changes - not tablets - cause of prison 'riots,' guards say

2022 consultant report recommended minimizing solitary confinement

Unrest among the inmate population at the South Dakota State Penitentiary is a product of loose disciplinary policies — not tablet computers being taken from prisoners.

That’s according to a statement released by Department of Corrections (DOC) officers Friday in the wake of a series of disruptions at the men’s prison in Sioux Falls. The guards also contend state authorities are downplaying what’s taking place inside the facility.

“Calling these riots a ‘disturbance’ greatly undermines the severity of the situation,” reads the statement provided to The Dakota Scout after at least two incidents in what’s known as the East Hall at the prison prompted staff response and subsequent investigations by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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