By Frank Espinoza
Rapid City Journal, S.D.
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Pennington County Jail officials announced Friday correctional officer positions will be completely filled for the first time in nearly eight years. The jail commander said this will alleviate staffing challenges as well as increase support for jail staff.
Pennington County Jail Commander Corey Brubakken told media on Friday the jail currently has 83 security staff with 15 being supervisor positions. He said two corrections officers and one intensive supervision officer will be sworn in on Sept. 29, which will officially make the jail fully staffed.
He said the corrections officer positions have been harder to fill as the nature of the work dealing with inmates can be difficult. Staffing issues have also led to worker burnout. Brubakken shared the positives a full staff is expected to bring the jail.
“We hope that it helps with the retention so we can continue to just grow from where we’re at on paper. What does that mean? It means our people suffer less burnout, county pays less overtime to fill the positions that need to be filled,” Brubakken said.
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He further explained a full staff will make the quality of life for the staff better and even trickle down to the inmate experience.
Filling the positions was a combined effort with Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller, human resources, training staff as well as jail staff, Brubakken said.
Pennington County Commissioner Deb Hadcock told the Journal competitive wages were a factor on issues of recruitment.
“We raised the pay of the correctional officers as well, because we’re trying to compete. That’s why we haven’t been full, trying to compete with the outside agencies like the city and the other counties,” Hadcock said. “So that’s why a lot of times we weren’t full. It’s not that the jail isn’t a good place to work, and we didn’t fill up the jail with employees because we had a bad environment or anything.”
Brubakken noted the effort of Mueller going to the County Commission to advocate for a higher starting wage for correctional officers, from $25.53 an hour in 2024 to $26.98 in 2025.
“Our staff has provided guidance, mentorship and a supportive environment that have helped the sheriff’s office reach this staffing achievement,” Mueller said in a press release. “This is truly a milestone for our correctional staffing challenges.”
Brubakken stated he’s proud of all the jail staff and leadership for making the work environment very professional and appealing to new recruits that are looking to enter the field.
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