Reporting Stalking to South Dakota Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in South Dakota.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide South Dakota resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: South Dakota has a protection order specifically for stalking, separate from its domestic abuse order — and you don't need police involvement or criminal charges to file.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
South Dakota Highway Patrol
605-773-3105
For non-emergency matters and general information.
SD Dept. of Public Safety
605-773-3178
General information and victim services coordination.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
South Dakota — Statewide Agencies
SD Crime Victims' Compensation Program
605-773-6317
Covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses for victims of violent crime.
dps.sd.gov/victims-services ↗SD Unified Judicial System — Protection Order Forms
Via ujs.sd.gov
Official standard petition, prepared by the Attorney General, for stalking protection orders.
ujs.sd.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of South Dakota.
Your Circuit Court
Find yours via ujs.sd.gov
File a Protection Order Against Stalking, Physical Injury, or a Crime of Violence — it doesn't matter if police were contacted or charges were filed.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Protection Orders in South Dakota
Stalking, Physical Injury, or Crime of Violence order: available when your relationship with the person doesn't qualify for a domestic abuse order — and it doesn't matter whether police were contacted.
Two stages: a temporary order lasts 30 days until the hearing; a final order can last up to five years.
Domestic abuse order: used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or household member.
SD Unified Judicial System
Standard petition and instructions, prepared by the Attorney General.
ujs.sd.gov ↗Where to file
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county — you must allege stalking and attach a sworn affidavit.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Crime Victims' Compensation Program.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county and ask for the stalking protection order petition.
- 2Describe each incident in a sworn affidavit — the specific facts and circumstances of the stalking, with dates.
- 3File the petition; you must allege stalking for this order type.
- 4A judge can issue an immediate temporary order without the other party being notified, lasting 30 days until the hearing.
- 5You must attend the hearing to get a final order, which can last up to five years — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
SD DSS Child Protection Services
877-244-0864
Business hours — call 911 or local law enforcement for an after-hours emergency.
SD Dept. of Social Services — Adult Protective Services
Via dss.sd.gov
Find your local DSS office for reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
dss.sd.gov ↗Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| South Dakota Highway Patrol | 605-773-3105 | Emergency |
| SD Dept. of Public Safety | 605-773-3178 | Emergency |
| SD Crime Victims' Compensation Program | 605-773-6317 | Statewide |
| SD Unified Judicial System — Protection Order Forms | Via ujs.sd.gov | Statewide |
| SD DSS Child Protection Services | 877-244-0864 | Specialized |
| SD Dept. of Social Services — Adult Protective Services | Via dss.sd.gov | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in South Dakota
How do I report stalking in South Dakota?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in South Dakota?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in South Dakota?
Stalking, Physical Injury, or Crime of Violence order: available when your relationship with the person doesn't qualify for a domestic abuse order — and it doesn't matter whether police were contacted. Two stages: a temporary order lasts 30 days until the hearing; a final order can last up to five years. Domestic abuse order: used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or household member.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in South Dakota?
Filing fees vary by court in South Dakota, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in South Dakota?
Yes — South Dakota has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact SD Crime Victims' Compensation Program at 605-773-6317.
What counts as stalking under South Dakota law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In South Dakota, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in South Dakota if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in South Dakota?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in South Dakota?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable South Dakota reporting guide?
You can download the free South Dakota reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-South-Dakota-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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