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South Dakota
PSAP Efficiency Study
January 2025

South Dakota’s Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are critical to ensuring timely and effective emergency responses across the state’s diverse geographic and demographic
landscape. This study, commissioned by the South Dakota 911 Coordination Board and conducted by 911 Authority, LLC, evaluates the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of
consolidating PSAP operations. Using a robust, data-driven methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study explores opportunities to optimize service
delivery, address operational inefficiencies, and improve resource utilization.  Read the full report here.

South Dakota State 9-1-1 Coordination

The South Dakota 9-1-1 Coordinator assists local governments with implementing 9-1-1 emergency telephone systems in their area. The State 9-1-1 Coordinator addresses statewide issues common to all 9-1-1 systems, providing the information and guidance to make local jurisdictions successful.

State 9-1-1 Responsibilities

  • Develop plans for the implementation for a uniform statewide 9-1-1 system.
  • Develop criteria and standards for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), along with conducting performance audits and evaluations.
  • Set minimum standards for operating and financing a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
  • Update 9-1-1 statutes to include new and emerging technology.
  • Develop criteria for the eligibility and amount of reimbursement of recurring and nonrecurring costs of operating a PSAP.   Monitor the use of 9-1-1 emergency surcharge funds.
  • Develop criteria for the implementation of performance audits of the use of 9-1-1 fees utilized in the operation of the 9-1-1 system.
  • Report annually to the Governor and Legislature about the operations and findings of the board and any recommendations for changes to 9-1-1 service.

History of State 9-1-1

South Dakota lawmakers passed legislation in 1989 allowing the imposition of a 9-1-1 surcharge on telephone lines in the state. Under that legislation, local governments were allowed to impose a monthly fee of up to 75 cents to provide a portion of the funding for 9-1-1 services. During the 2012 legislative session, lawmakers passed legislation increasing the 9-1-1 surcharge to $1.25 per line and added a 2% surcharge on all prepaid phone purchases at the point of sale.

A number of different task forces, meetings and studies over the years culminated in the 2008 creation of the South Dakota 9-1-1 Coordination Board, which employs a State 9-1-1 coordinator to work with the PSAPs, counties, vendors and telecos on the 9-1-1 system.

The following State 9-1-1 Coordination documents can be found on the South Dakota Boards and Commissions website:

  • Board meeting agendas
  • Board meeting minutes
  • Annual reports
  • FCC filings
  • Annual financial reports
  • Annual admin rule compliance

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