Emergency Support

The South Dakota Highway Patrol supports local law enforcement in times of emergency and natural disaster. The Patrols’ Emergency Communications Unit and Support Vehicles have been used during spring flooding and SWAT situations.

Emergency Communications Unit

In 2011, the Highway Patrol added the Emergency Communication Center (ECC). The communication bus is a self-contained mobile command and communication center used during times of civil disorder, prison riots or natural disasters.

The dispatching quarters in the bus are equipped with state-of-the-art radio, computer and telephone equipment. In addition to the dispatch area, the bus has a conference room where meetings can be held and sleeping areas for four. The bus was obtained through federal surplus at no cost to the taxpayers of South Dakota.