In a significant development for the South Dakota Department of Corrections, Kellie Wasko concluded her term as Secretary of Corrections on Monday. As announced by the Governor’s Office, Nick Lamb will assume this pivotal role starting mid-November. This transition comes at a critical time for South Dakota’s correctional system, bringing hope for reforms and improvements under new leadership.
Kellie Wasko
Nick Lamb, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in various prison settings, including significant military experience, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the state’s correctional facilities. Lamb’s academic background, which includes a master’s degree in psychology, positions him uniquely to understand and address the multifaceted challenges faced by inmates and correctional staff alike.
Nick Lamb
As South Dakota citizens keenly observe these changes, there’s renewed interest in how these leadership adjustments will impact the state’s incarceration system. South Dakota’s correctional facilities, particularly the state penitentiary, have recently come under scrutiny due to former inmate Cole Lomon’s candid observations.
Lomon served time for theft in both the South Dakota state penitentiary and in prisons across Iowa, offering a comparative perspective on the two states’ approaches to corrections. “Well, South Dakota was more traumatic than it was helpful. You’re just kind of forced to be in that tiny cell, you know,” he stated, reflecting on his challenging experiences in the state’s prison.
Cole Lomon
In contrast, Lomon noted the relatively more rehabilitative environment in Iowa’s prisons. He observed less presence of drugs there compared to South Dakota, and appreciated the freedom inmates had, such as open doors from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM to access yards and day rooms. “With money off your commissary, you can go down with your friends, and you guys could all split the money. Split it a few ways and buy pizza or hot wings,” he recounted, highlighting the camaraderie and privileges that fostered a more positive experience.
This contrast between the two states highlights potential areas for reform in South Dakota’s corrections system. The state’s citizens are hopeful that under Lamb’s leadership, there will be initiatives similar to those seen in Iowa, where recent reports indicate the introduction of free video calls for inmates and the availability of tablets for therapy and educational programming.
Governor Rhoden’s announcement supporting Nick Lamb emphasized that his deep experience and psychological insight will be key to implementing effective changes within South Dakota’s DOC. The hope for reform extends to enhancing inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Such changes could lead to a decrease in drug-related issues within penitentiaries, offering a safer and more supportive environment for rehabilitation.
Lomon, who now looks forward to a hopeful future with a house and a resolve to make better life choices, has a message for inmates and staff at South Dakota prisons. “Just keep your heads up, and there’s hope and there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, symbolizing the optimism many hope to see realized in the state’s correctional facilities.
With changes on the horizon and a focus on improving the existing system, South Dakota stands at a crossroads. Its citizens are watching closely, eager to see how the corrections system will evolve with Lamb at the helm. Dakota News Now will continue to update the public as more information becomes available and as Nick Lamb’s initiatives begin to take shape.
For those interested in the broader impact of these changes, understanding the socio-economic ripple effects on South Dakota communities will be crucial. With potential shifts in correctional policies, the state’s approach to the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates into society could serve as a model for others.