Now that South Dakota plans a prison ‘reset,’ we need to invest in education to reduce crime and recidivism
South Dakota’s recently announced Project Prison Reset is a crucial step toward addressing the state’s outdated prison infrastructure.
With a proposed $825 million 1,500-bed facility on the table and over $54 million already invested in the controversial Lincoln County site, it’s clear that updating the men’s prison — which is over 144 years old — is a priority.
However, as Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen leads the working group to assess the size, location, and necessity of this new prison, it is important to consider broader strategies for reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation.
While new prison facilities may be needed, the conversation should not stop at bricks and bars. South Dakota has an opportunity to think bigger and adopt long-term solutions to crime by investing in education — both in prisons and in communities. Public education is a powerful, evidence-backed tool that can reduce crime, lower recidivism, and foster a safer society.
Economists and criminologists widely agree that public education is one of the most effective ways to reduce crime. Numerous studies show that inmates who participate in educational programs are significantly less likely to reoffend. Education equips them with job skills, reducing the chances of returning to crime due to financial hardship or lack of prospects.
Beyond employment, education fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and personal growth. Offering programs ranging from basic literacy and GED preparation to vocational training and higher education can help inmates envision a future outside the criminal justice system. This shift in perspective transforms prisons from merely punitive institutions to places of true rehabilitation.
The benefits of investing in education extend beyond crime reduction. Individuals with higher education are more likely to earn stable wages and contribute positively to the economy. When formerly incarcerated people gain stable employment, state revenues increase, and the costs associated with repeat incarceration decrease. This not only strengthens public safety but also contributes to a more prosperous and resilient state economy.
States like North Carolina and Indiana have shown that educational initiatives, both inside and outside of prisons, can drive down recidivism rates and build stronger communities. If South Dakota adopts a similar approach, it could reduce its prison population and create opportunities for growth and innovation.
Project Prison Reset should focus on building a new prison but also prioritize crime prevention through investing in public education and rehabilitation through skills training and GED programs. By addressing the root causes of crime through education, South Dakota can break the cycle of incarceration and provide real hope for a safer and more prosperous future.
This is not simply a choice between constructing a new prison or enhancing education — it is about finding a balance that promotes prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term safety for all South Dakotans. With a comprehensive approach, Project Prison Reset could become a model for smart justice reform nationwide.
Laura Armstrong of Rapid City is a speech language pathologist who owns a small private clinic. She served two consecutive terms on the Rapid City Common Council (2017-2023) twice as council president, and remains dedicated to the Rapid City community.
Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons
