Joint Committee on Appropriations hear testimony about state prisons Monday

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Members of the Joint Committee on Appropriations of the South Dakota legislature heard more about issues in the state prisons.

Corrections Department Secretary Kellie Wasko says they hold more prisoners than the system is designed for.

Wasko says the penitentiary in Sioux Falls is not safe for staff or prisoners.

Wasko says told the committee that land they bought in Rapid City for a new prison won’t work for the initial design.

Wasko also detailed their ongoing staffing issues in Sioux Falls, Springfield and Pierre. The committee is working through the Corrections Department budget request.