South Dakota Home Security and Safety Resources

Emergencies, crime incidents (like burglaries), and other worrisome events don’t usually come with a lot of warning. That's why we encourage everyone to be proactive about safety and security—at home and in your community. To help you stay safe in South Dakota, we’ve put together this list of local and statewide resources to make sure you know where to turn before the unexpected happens.

Crime prevention

South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

South Dakota Crime Stoppers

City crime prevention

Sioux Falls Police Department

Rapid City Police Department

Aberdeen Police Department

Brookings Area Crime Stoppers

Neighborhood Watch

Watertown Police Department

Sioux Falls Police Department

Aberdeen Police Department

Brookings Police Department

Codington County Sheriff’s Office: Watertown Neighborhood Watch

Emergency preparedness

South Dakota Disaster Recovery Effort

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

South Dakota Emergency Management Association

Rapid City/Pennington County Emergency Management

Fire safety

South Dakota Department of Public Safety: State Fire Marshal

Aberdeen Fire and Rescue

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue

Rapid City Fire Department

Alarm associations

National Burglar and Fire Alarm Assoc.

General safety

South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Enforcement Unit

South Dakota Safety Council

Safe South Dakota: Prevent Underage Drinking and Driving

South Dakota Department of Transportation: Safe Routes to School

Child abuse prevention

South Dakota Dept. of Social Services

Child Advocacy Centers of South Dakota

Western South Dakota Child Protection Council

Domestic violence

South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault

South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence

Safe Harbor

Watertown Resource Center

See the Safest Cities in South Dakota report for more information on crime statistics across the state.

In the United States, homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. Burglars want to get in and out with minimum hassle—why risk getting caught by a security system when they could just move onto the next house? Security systems send a message to burglars that your home is not to be trifled with.

With the smart home features available today, it’s easy to monitor the happenings in your home whether you’re sitting on your sofa or out running errands. Look into handy features like remote activation of your security system, control of your lighting and appliances, and live video streaming to your phone.

Don’t forget to take care of the obvious. Always lock your doors, and leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor (instead of under a flower pot or doormat). Don’t forget to close your windows at night or when you’re out. Trim bushes lining your home to eliminate hiding places, and invest in outdoor lighting to keep dark spots near your home entrances visible.

Strengthening the security of your neighborhood can start with getting to know your neighbors. You might find friends who can watch your place when you’re away, look out for a lost pet, help solve package theft mysteries, or aid in an emergency. And you can work together to build safety resources your community needs.

Avoid announcing specific vacation plans on social media or making it clear that the house is empty. To maintain a lived-in appearance, stop the mail and newspapers before you leave, and set indoor lights on variable timers. Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be gone; consider asking them to park their car in your driveway or make footprints in the snow (if it’s winter).

• The State of Safety in the United States
• Best Home Security Systems
• How to Choose a Security System
• The Beginner’s Guide to Security Cameras
• Home Safety and Security Checklist
• 20 Things You’ll Need for Your First Home