Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail Ribbon Cutting Set for October 7

The new Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail – home to the Vermillion Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office – will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and open house event on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. Tours and refreshments will follow.

The 54,000-square-foot facility includes 54 beds with the potential to add 44 more in the future. The Vermillion Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office will share support spaces including a break room, multipurpose room, locker rooms, training rooms, interview rooms, and evidence processing and storage. The facility also houses the 911 Dispatch Center, Emergency Management Office, and alternate enclosed parking garage for agency fleet vehicles and emergency management equipment. 

“A great deal of thought, collaboration and hard work went into the design and construction of this building,” said Vermillion Police Department Chief Crystal Brady. “We knew it was important for the city and the county to work together for the good of our citizens to construct the most efficient building possible that will last for years to come. This is a reflection of the great relationship the Vermillion Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have always had with one another.”

Voters approved the nearly $43 million bond for the Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail in 2022. The project broke ground Oct. 3, 2023. 

“This facility is a result of over 10 years of discussion, study and effort,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. “It will give our staff and inmates a safe and modern jail and provide an adequate and modern workspace for law enforcement officers and dispatch. It was built with a strong commitment to serve Clay County for decades into the future and has the capacity for expansion if ever needed.”
 
The ribbon cutting and open house are hosted in collaboration by the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, the Vermillion Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Beckenhauer Construction Inc., Tegra Group and JLG Architects. The event is free and open to the public. During the event, the Vermillion Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Beckenhauer Construction will gather non-perishable donations to benefit families in need through local distribution sites.

The Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail is located at 1250 Stanford Street in Vermillion, South Dakota.