The Pennington County Jail recognizes the importance for inmates to maintain ties with family and friends. 

Due to the danger posed to inmates and staff with illegal drugs trafficked through inmate mail,

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

All postage stamps must be purchased on commissary. Incoming mail containing stamps will be returned to sender.

All general mail will be scanned and a facsimile will be provided to the inmate. Originals will be discarded.

Inmates may send and receive mail while in the Pennington County Jail. All letters must go out and come into the facility through the United States Postal Service. Inmates may write an unlimited number of letters providing they have sufficient postage. Inmates may purchase stamps from commissary. Indigent inmates may send an unlimited number of legal letters and may request postage for one, 1 oz. letter per week within the Continental U.S. The Pennington County Jail reserves the right to inspect incoming or outgoing mail for contraband.   

TO SEND A LETTER TO AN INMATE, ADDRESS THE ENVELOPE AS FOLLOWS:

Return Address must contain the Sender's First and Last Name and complete address.

Inmate's First and Last Name (Inmate # if known)
Pennington County Jail
307 St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701

The Pennington County Jail is committed to ensuring that all inmates and visitors are protected under Federal, State and City Ordinances. Under SDCL 25-10-13, Violation of Protection Orders or No Contact Orders may be considered a misdemeanor or felony. Any contact with the protected person(s) is a violation; whether it’s direct contact or through a third party. The Pennington County Jail will notify Law Enforcement of any violations of SDCL 25-10-13 that occur by way of mail, email, phone, and visitation or through third party contact.

FAQs

  • Inmates may receive US Postal Money Orders made payable to Pennington County Jail in the mail and funds will be deposited to their account upon receipt.
  • Inmates may only receive NEW books and NEW magazines that come directly from the publisher.
  • Effective September 1, 2025, any parcel received that contains more than the allotted amount of books (6 or more) and/or magazines (4 or more) that an inmate is permitted to have in their cell, will be Returned to Sender as an Unauthorized Item.
  • Hardcover books are only allowed if they are not available in soft bound and must be approved in advance. 
  • Packages to the Pennington County Jail that do not have prior approval will be returned to sender. A request for package approval must come from the inmate and not the sender. This request must state the package content, sender's name, and address.
  • Rejection appeals may be submitted to the Jail Commander in writing within 20 days of the return date.