RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden on Thursday announced a set of immediate steps to tighten parole supervision in South Dakota, aiming to hold repeat offenders more accountable and remove violators from communities faster.

It follows several incidents statewide involving parolees committing crimes, including the shooting of a Sioux Falls Police Officer.

“Keeping South Dakotans safe is the most important duty of government, and we have been working specifically on strengthening the safety and integrity of our parole system,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I appreciate the law enforcement leaders who have been working with me to deliver immediate improvements to the parole system. Together, we will better protect our communities.”

The changes—some already in place—focus on quicker parole revocations, closer monitoring of high-risk individuals, and tougher penalties for violations.

Rhoden says the Department of Corrections will create a new compliance unit made up of five specialized parole agents who will closely supervise the highest-risk cases, including during nights and weekends. The state is also hiring five additional parole officers to help reduce caseloads.

Penalties for certain violations are also getting stricter. Instead of treating all misdemeanors the same, officials are increasing consequences for offenses seen as greater public safety risks, such as DUI, assault, and weapons violations.

Corrections officials say enforcement has already ramped up. In the first week, parole revocations nearly doubled—especially for violations tied to drug use—and the state plans to keep that pace.

Rhoden is also asking the Board of Pardons and Parole to speed up the revocation process and consider stronger sanctions, including more frequent hearings and longer returns to prison for violators.

Corrections Secretary Nick Lamb said the effort requires coordination across agencies but called the governor’s leadership key to improving public safety.