Noem boosts pay for state corrections officers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is boosting pay for correctional officers at state prisons that have struggled with staffing shortages in recent months.

Pay will increase for officers across the board. Starting pay for correctional officers will increase from $20 an hour to $23.50 an hour. Additionally, raises will be instituted for security officers up to $28 an hour.

The Republican governor has attempted for over a year to address complaints among Department of Corrections employees.The Legislature had already boosted pay for state corrections officers by 6%, but those wages still lagged behind what corrections officers can make working at some county jails.

Noem is also looking to overhaul the state’s aging prison facilities.

August 19, 2022