Minnehaha County Public Safety

Minnehaha County, South Dakota, established in 1862, is the state's largest county by population, serving over 197,000 residents as of the 2020 Census. As a political subdivision, the county provides a range of services, including law enforcement, jail administration, highway maintenance, property valuation, planning and zoning, parks, emergency management, public defender services, and juvenile detention services.

Within Minnehaha County's public safety framework, the State's Attorney's office serves as the chief prosecutor for adult and juvenile crimes. This office, staffed by 32 lawyers among its 59 personnel, is committed to public safety, community service, and equal justice under the law. Its duties extend to protecting children in abusive or neglectful homes and providing legal advice and representation to the Board of Commissioners and other county departments.

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office complements these efforts by offering legal representation and social advocacy to individuals with limited access to resources. This office strives to vigorously defend individual rights and uphold integrity while serving the community. Both legal offices are integral to the county's mission to preserve the quality of life and low crime rates for its residents.