Clay Sheriff

The Clay County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services across 414 square miles of southeastern South Dakota, covering Vermillion, Wakonda, Irene, plus the unincorporated communities of Burbank and Meckling. While Vermillion operates its own police department, the Sheriff's Office contracts with Wakonda and Irene and maintains jurisdiction over the entire county.

• •Sheriff Andy Howe has led the office since his election in 2002. A University of South Dakota graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Howe previously worked his way through every position at the office—from jailer to chief deputy. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Sheriff's Association and represents the state on the Executive Committee of the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center.

The staff includes the Sheriff, 8 deputies, 1 full-time administrative assistant, 7 full-time jailers, and 3 part-time jailers. One deputy serves full-time as a detective; another as the School Resource Officer.

• •Warrant service and fugitive apprehension
• •Civil process service and judgment collection
• •Courthouse security and courtroom operations
• •Inmate transport to courts, medical appointments, and the South Dakota State Penitentiary
• •Criminal investigation of all reported crimes
• •Response to calls including disturbances, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies

The jail transitioned in 2021 to a short-term holdover facility, holding arrestees for up to 72 hours. Inmates requiring longer custody are housed in nearby county jails at Clay County expense.

• •Jail Contact: (605) 677-7117

Visitation Hours: - Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (including holidays) - Each inmate receives 30 minutes of visitation time per visiting day - Maximum 2 visitors at a time (must include parent/guardian if under 18) - All visitors must present photo ID - Call ahead to schedule appointment on first-come, first-served basis

The Sheriff's Office processes concealed pistol permits for South Dakota. Key state law restrictions for permit holders:

A concealed pistol permit is not required to possess a weapon in your own home, property, or place of business, or to carry an unloaded firearm in a closed vehicle compartment.

For reciprocity questions across state lines, contact the South Dakota Secretary of State at (605) 773-3537.

The office teaches D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to fifth-grade students throughout Clay County schools, including Vermillion and Wakonda. Deputy Jeff Anders is a certified DARE instructor; Deputy Kyle Huber provides a full-time School Resource Officer assignment to Vermillion and Wakonda schools.

In 2016, the Clay County Commission combined the offices of Sheriff and Coroner. The Sheriff now investigates all deaths not attended by a physician and completes death certificates as County Coroner.

• •Fingerprinting for background checks and employment
• •Jail tours available by arrangement
• •Active warrants lookup and public records
• •Sex offender registry (public database available)
• •Incident reports (summaries available online)
• •Anonymous crime tips via online submission form

Clay County Sheriff's Office 1250 Stanford St Vermillion, SD 57069 (605) 677-7100 [email protected]

• •Jail Visitation: (605) 677-7117

Submit an anonymous crime tip online