Pennington County - Rapid City

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Advocacy Services | Assistance | Counseling Services | Crisis Lines | Transportation | Health Care
Housing (Low Income) | Information and Referral | Law Enforcement | Legal Services
Support Groups | Special Needs

Advocacy Services
CASA
605-394-2203
PCSO Vict. Specialists
605-394-6115
State’s Attorney’s Vict. Advocates
605-394-2191
AD Advocacy (persons with disabilities)
605-342-2575
WAVI (Working Against Violence, Inc.)
* Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Shelter
605-341-3292

Assistance
Department of Social Services
605-394-2525 or 800-644-2914
 https://dss.sd.gov/contactus/
Child Support Enforcement
605-394-2561
Church Response
605-342-5360
Feeding South Dakota
605-348-2689
Helpline 211
web page
Health and Human Services
605-394-2156
Love, Inc
605-718-5683
Love Inc Web Site
Salvation Army
605-342-0982
Volunteers of America Northern Rockies
605-341-8336
https://www.voanr.org/

 Counseling Services
West River Mental Health
605-343-7262
https://www.bmscares.org/
Catholic Social Services
605-348-6086
https://www.cssrapidcity.com/
Lutheran Social Services
605-791-6700
https://lsssd.org/
Native Healing Program
605-342-8925
https://www.nativehealingprogram.com/
Youth and Family Services Counseling
605-342-4195
https://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/
Moving Forward in a Sacred Way
(Oaye Luta Okolakiciye)
605-716-0310 

Crisis Lines
Crisis Care Center
605-381-4863
Youth and Family Services
605-342-4303
WAVI
(Working Against Violence Inc) 
Crisis#: 605-341-4808
Toll free 1-888-716-9284
Suicide/Crisis Line
Call or Text 988
National Domestic Violence Crisis Line
800-799-7233

Transportation
Journey On
605-519-1060
Rapid Ride
605-394-6631

Health Care
Complete Health Center of South Dakota 
605-721-8939
https://www.completehealthsd.care/
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
605-755-1000
https://monument.health/
Oyate Health Center
(Indian Health Center) 
605-355-2500
https://www.oyatehealth.com/
Native Women’s Health Care
605-342-7400

Housing (Low Income)
Corner Stone Rescue Mission
605-341-2741
http://www.cornerstonemission.org/
Corner Stone Women’s and Children’s Mission
605-721-7860
http://www.cornerstonemission.org/womens.html
Pennington County Housing Authority
605-394-5350
https://www.pchrc.com/

Law Enforcement
Pennington Co. Sheriff’s Office
Dispatch
605-394-2151 
Rapid City Police Dispatch
Dispatch
605-394-4131
EMERGENCY 911
Box Elder Police Department
605-923-1401

Special Needs
Black Hills Works
605-343-4550
https://www.blackhillsworks.org/
SD DROP
(SD Deaf Resources & Outreach Programs)
605-394-6468
https://sddrop.org/
ADD: Adult Protective Services
605-773-5990
https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss/adult-protective-services
Western Resources for Disabled Independence
605-718-1930
Austism Society of the Black Hills
605-415-6582 

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The South Dakota Crime Victims' Compensation Program provides monetary assistance to victims of violent crimes and is administered by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The program may compensate crime victims with a maximum of $15,000 for certain expenses incurred as a direct result of personal injury or death. However, not all crimes or expenses are covered.

You may be eligible for compensation if you or a family member has suffered personal injury as a result of:

• A violent crime;
• Trying to stop a person committing a crime;
• Trying to help a law enforcement officer;
• Trying to help a victim of a crime; or
• Witnessing a violent crime.

Types of Assistance

Compensation may be available for expenses resulting from a criminal act such as:

• Medical expenses;
• Mental health counseling expenses;
• Mileage;
• funeral and burial expenses;
• Loss of earnings or support;
• Dental and prosthetic devices;
• Eyeglasses or corrective lenses;
• Replacement costs for personal property used as evidence, and other similar expenses.

Compensation cannot be paid for other property losses, attorney's fees or pain and suffering. In addition, the program is a last resort for payment. In most cases, payments can only be made if there is no other source of payment including private health insurance, Indian Health Services or other public assistance programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.

Eligibility Requirements

• The crime must have occurred on or after July 1, 1992.
• The crime must be reported to law enforcement within five days of its occurrence or when a report could reasonably have been made.
• The claim for compensation must be filed within one year of the crime unless good cause is shown.
• The victim and claimant must reasonably cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the incident.
• Compensation cannot be awarded to a claimant if it would unjustly benefit the offender or an accomplice.

Who Can Apply

• An innocent victim who has suffered harm.
• A family member of a deceased victim.
• A person authorized to act on behalf of a victim or dependent.
• Family members of victims under limited circumstances.

Applying for Compensation

To apply, you must fill out an application form. These forms are available from any local law enforcement agency, online at https://dos.sd.aovJresource-library/Crime­Yictims%27-Compensation-Proaram­ Primary-Application.odf-1619 or the Office of the Attorney General.

DPS staff review all claims, decide whether a victim is eligible and determine the amount of compensation. Upon receipt of the application, staff will contact law enforcement, physicians, service providers, and others if necessary to verify all information received in the application. The processing time for an application i.s dependent upon the time it takes to receive verification from these sources.

Not all victims qualify for assistance. The victim and providers will be notified in writing of any amounts awarded. If the victim disagrees with the Department's decision, they have the right to appeal that decision to the Crime Victims' Compensation Commission. Payments are made directly to the providers except·. for out of pocket expenses paid by the victim. The victim is responsible for any outstanding balances owed to the provider after payments made by DPS.

Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

Known Your Rights To:

• Be protected from the accused offender.
• Have court proceedings explained.
• Be notified of and present at all public proceedings, unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
• Provide written input on sentencing, bail or bond hearings and parole hearings.
• Restitution from the offender, unless reasons are stated for denying restitution.
• Be notified of the offender's release from custody.
• Request testing for certain infectious diseases.

If you are a victim of a violent crime or DUI:

• You are entitled to be protected by all of the provisions of the 1991 South Dakota Victims' Rights Act and to be notified of your rights by the prosecutor.
• You must inform your prosecutor if you want to exercise.

For more information on the Bill of Rights contact the Office of the Attorney General at 500 East Capitol Avenue | Pierre, SD 57501

CVC Program Contact Information

Department of Public Safety
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

605-773-6317
1-800-696-9476
(In-State Only)
605-773-2955 Fax
VictimServices@state.sd.us
Visit Website

PROTECTION ORDER FAST FACTS
This information is primarily for Domestic Abuse and Stalking Protection Orders. You are encouraged to visit an advocate for assistance and support in applying for one of these orders. Before seeking a Vulnerable Adult Protection Order a person should seek legal advice.

WHAT IS A PROTECTION ORDER?
A protection order is a civil order from the court to protect people from abuse, stalking and assault.

WHAT TYPE OF ORDER DO YOU NEED?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Order may be issued if the person in need of protection has evidence of abuse by a:

• Spouse or former spouse;
• Is in a significant romantic relationship with the abusing party or has been within the last 12 months;
• Has a child or is expecting a child with the abusing party;
• Parent and child, including a relationship by adoption, guardianship, or marriage;
• Siblings, whether of the whole or half blood, including a relationship through
  adoption or marriage.

A Stalking I Physical Injury Protection Order may be issued if the person in need of protection has evidence of stalking, credible threats of great bodily injury and the ability to carry out the threat, or has sustained an injury because of an assault or crime of violence. No special relationship is required.

A Vulnerable Adult Protection Order may be issued if there is an adult with a disability or an elder (65+} who is unable to protect themselves from abuse. Such abuse can be physical, psychological or financial. For detailed information and instructions See SDCL 21-65 or https:1/ujslawhelp.sd.govNulnerAdultProtectForms.aspx.

Print forms: https://ujslawhelp.sd.gov/protectionorders.aspx or use Guide and File. All petitions must be filed in your local Clerk of Courts. Do not sign the petition until you are at the Clerk of Courts, where a clerk can notarize it.

PROTECTION ORDER PETITION BEST PRACTICES
This is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for legal advice for your individual situation.

WHY?
When prompted "I am asking for an order based on the facts below ... " write about the most recent incident, even if not the most severe.

PAST INCIDENTS
When prompted to discuss similar incidents give a detailed history of the most severe and concerning behavior. Include specific incidents and dates.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Include relevant attachments - pictures, emails, texts, police reports. If there is a criminal case include the docket (court file) number.

This project/information was supported by Grant Number 15JOVW-22-GG-01837-ICJR awarded by the Office of Violence Against Women. U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the section are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.

South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 90453
Sioux Falls, SD 57109
605-731-0041
605-977-4742
www.sdnafvsa.com

Pennington County Sheriff’s Office | Rapid City Police Department Victim Specialist Program 

We strive to provide supportive services and advocacy to victims and survivors, by treating every victim with fairness and respect.

If you are a victim of a crime 

We want to provide you with victim centered and trauma informed advocacy. Included is a description of your rights under Federal and State law plus information and resources available to you as a victim of crime. 

Your Victim Specialist may provide additional information, resources and referrals to help make this process easier for you. 

The Investigation 

During the investigation you will be kept informed of the status of your case. Criminal investigations can be both complex and lengthy, and can involve several law enforcement agencies. Your interests are important to us, as is your cooperation and assistance with your case. Your Victim Specialist will remain your principal contact throughout the process. We encourage you to contact him or her if you have any questions. 

Victim Information 

You may experience physical and emotional reactions to a traumatic event. 

Some physical symptoms: trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, upset stomach, feeling shaky or losing your appetite and desire to do things you once enjoyed. 

Emotional symptoms can include: feeling nervous, sad, and helpless, being irritable or easily agitated, being withdrawn or abandoned. It is important to recognize these symptoms and ask for help. 

Surrounding yourself with people you can trust, such as family and friends. Seek help from a medical or mental health professional if your physical symptoms worsen or persist and if your emotional symptoms are causing problems in your daily life or persist for an extended period of time. 

"Victims of crime and their families deserve as much support as we can possibly provide."
- Pennington County Sheriff's Office

Helpful Websites: 

211 Helpline
helplinecenter.org 

Office for Victims of Crime
www.ovc.ojp.gov 

DV INFO
domesticshelters.org

SD Law Help
ujslawhelp.sd.gov 

SD SAVIN
savin.sd.gov

PCJ Inmate lookup
pennco.org/currentinmates

SD Department of Public Safety–Crime Victims Compensation
dps.sd.gov/victims-services/crime-victims-compensation

SD Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault 
https://sdnafvsa.com/home/

How the Victim Specialist Program can help 

• Safety Planning 

• Emergency housing and aid 

• Assist victims with transportation needs 

• Connect victims with community resources 

• Connect victims with Counseling 

• Help victims navigate the Criminal Justice System 

• Assist victims with protection orders 

• Help victims apply for Crime Victims Compensation 

• Help connect victims with other advocacy in the community and legal system 

• Help victims apply for other aid as dictated by their circumstances 

• Provide individual and criminal advocacy 

• Assist in returning property held as evidence, when possible 

• Help secure transportation to and from legal and medical appointments related to the associated crime 

*We strive to assist each individual victim with their unique situation. Victim Specialist services are not limited to the list above.* 

When to seek additional help 

When your emotions feel dull or numb 

When you are experiencing depression, anxiety or thoughts of harming yourself 

When you cannot sleep for long periods of time 

When you feel these reactions are interfering with your life functioning 

If you feel overwhelmed by what has happened, now is the time to seek the help you need. 

"The officers of the RCPD are committed to protecting the rights of victims and their families during each and every interaction they have."
- Rapid City Police Department

If you have suffered financial loss 

If you have suffered a financial loss such as medical bills, counseling costs or funeral expenses - Crime Victims Compensation may be able to assist. For more information contact South Dakota Department of Public Safety Crime Victims Compensation Program. Also if prosecution takes place and there is a conviction, the judge will consider restitution at the time of sentencing. Restitution is a court-ordered payment paid to you by the offender for out-of-pocket expenses caused by the crime. 

If you are threatened or harassed 

If you are being threatened or harassed because of your cooperation with this investigation, contact your assigned Victim Specialist or Investigator immediately to discuss protective measures. Victim Specialists can help to complete the necessary steps to achieve protection orders. It is a violation of federal and state law to threaten, harass or intimidate victims or witnesses of a crime. 

If your property was held as evidence 

Your property will be returned to you when possible. If your property is held as evidence, you will be notified by Law Enforcement. It will be maintained in its current condition and every effort will be made to see that it is returned to you as quickly as possible once it is no longer needed as evidence.

Non-Discrimination and Confidentiality Statement: 

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Victim Specialist Program does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. 

A breach of confidentiality for any unauthorized or unlawful release of information pertaining to a crime victim or their family is reason to report a grievance. 

In cases of question concerning this statement, or in the event of a desire to file a complaint alleging violations of the above, please contact: 

Pennington County Sheriff’s Office 

Criminal Investigations Division 
300 Kansas City St, Suite 100
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-394-6115

South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Victim Assistance Program
118 W. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-6317
Website: dps.sd.gov/victims-services 

Office of Justice Programs 
Office of Civil Rights
810 Seventh St. NW
Washington, DC 20531
202-307-0690
Website: ojp.gov/program/civil-rights/filing-civil-rightscomplaint 

We would like to know how we did! Please visit the below site and complete our survey https://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=60D4C492-E06E-4D4E-8277-4563FA171A7E 

This handbook has been written to assist you with the grieving process and to explain what lies ahead with respect to the criminal case. Tap the image below or here to view the guide as a PDF.

• Notification of scheduled bail hearings and release from custody. Also, notification by the prosecutor’s office when the case is received and to whom the case is as-signed. 
• Notification in advance of the date of preliminary hear-ing and trial. Also, to be informed of what the charges mean and the elements necessary for conviction 
• To testify at scheduled bail or bond hearings regarding any evidence indicating whether the offender represents a danger to the victim or the community if released. 
• Protection from intimidation by the defendant, including enforcement of orders of protection. 
• To offer written input into whether plea bargaining or sentencing bargaining agreements should be entered into. 
• To be present during all scheduled phases of the trial hearings, except where otherwise ordered by the judge hearing the case or by contrary policy of the presiding circuit judge. 
• To be prepared, as a witness, including information about basic rules of evidence, cross examination,
  objections, and hearsay. 
• To provide the court written or oral victim impact statement prior to sentencing regarding the financial and emotional impact of the crime on the victim and their family as well as recommendations for restitution and sentencing and the right to appear at any hearing during which a change in the plan of restitution is to be considered. 
• Restitution, if the victim requests it, whether the convicted criminal is probated or incarcerated, unless the court or parole board provides to the victim on the record specific reasons for choosing not to require it. 
• To provide written input at parole hearings or with respect to commutations of sentences by the Governor, should those options be considered. 
• Notification of the victim’s right to request testing for infection by blood-borne pathogens.