Platform

PROACTIVE PUBLIC SAFETY PHILOSOPHY

South Dakota Public Safety Approach Bobby understands that effective public safety requires the correct mindset – one focused on service, security, and positive change. His experience with the South Dakota Department of Corrections emphasizes evidence-based assessments and programming that facilitate opportunities for positive, permanent change and successful reentry.

Jail Management Excellence:

Bobby’s approach to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office jail operations centers on:

  • Officer Safety
  • Inmate Safety
  • Accountability
  • Mutual Respect

PROVEN LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERTISE

Bobby Smith brings 16+ years of experience in a combination of law enforcement, public safety, and corrections. Additional training in Anti-Gang, Active Shooter, Caseload Management, Supervision Unit, and Cell Extraction Team member. A graduate of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Academy, Bobby has served the citizens across Brookings and Sioux Falls with distinction.

Specialized Training and Certifications

  • Corrections 1 (CORR101), Active Shooter Response (ACTS101)
  • Use of Force Protocols (UOFC101), Booking and Admissions (CSI102)
  • PREA Rights, Reporting, and Retaliation for Juvenile Detention
  • Combating Complacency in Jails, Airborne and Bloodborne Pathogens protocols

Elite Anti-Gang Training Extensive Additional Certification from:

  • Experience with major gang organizations: Bloods, Crips, Black Guerrilla Family, Aryan Brotherhood, Hells Angels, Mongols, 18th Street, MS-13, and Norteños.

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Faith and Service Leadership

  • 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Catholic Church
  • Holy Spirit Men’s Group coordinator ensuring consistent community support
  • Regular volunteer at St. Francis House, Union Gospel Mission, The Banquet, and The Dudley House serving homeless community

Youth Development and Crime Prevention

  • Lutheran Social Services: Mentor providing training on LSS principles, assisting in project selection, and teaching problem-solving techniques
  • Juvenile Detention Center: Monthly public speaking engagements helping incarcerated youth understand alternatives to criminal lifestyles and providing resources for successful reentry
  • Educational Service: Substitute educator/custodian across O’Gorman Catholic Schools, Harrisburg, Brandon Valley, Tea, and Sioux Falls School Districts
  • YMCA Sioux Falls: Varsity Lacrosse Coach emphasizing team dynamics, sportsmanship, and leadership

Emergency Response and Public Safety

  • Minnehaha County Emergency Management: Active Search & Rescue volunteer for river rescues and missing person cases
  • Sanford Hospital: Weekly volunteer supporting veterans and first responders
  • Community Ambassador Program: Participant with Sioux Falls Police Department building relationships across racial, religious, ethnic, and civic groups

Law Enforcement Community Relations

Trained in Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) use of force policy, complaint processes, and community outreach as a Sioux Falls Police Department Ambassador, participating in events including Cinco De Mayo, Pride Fest, and National Night Out.

INNOVATIVE RECRUITMENT AND PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY

Effective Recruitment of Deputies and Correction Officers

Bobby plans to build partnerships with regional technical colleges to develop a robust pipeline of qualified candidates:

  • Lake Area Technical College, Watertown
  • Mitchell Technical College, Mitchell
  • Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls
  • Western Dakota Technical College, Rapid City

Partnership Strategy:

Speak at least twice during academic years at these institutions, seeking qualified applicants that reflect the communities served, building relationships from entry-level through leadership ranks.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

Bobby will establish quarterly meetings with law enforcement leadership including:

  • Sioux Falls Police Department
  • Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
  • Moody County Sheriff’s Office
  • South Dakota State Police

These meetings will focus on discussing protocols for cross-county crimes, suspects, and scenarios, creating face-to-face partnerships for real-world collaboration.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITMENT

Regular Community Presence

Bobby commits to in-person community engagement at least twice yearly, including:

  • Meet and greet sessions with citizens throughout Minnehaha County
  • Community events in Dell Rapids, Brandon Valley, and Sioux Falls
  • Patrol deputy attendance at community meetings
  • Transparent communication showing the community “we are real people”

University of Sioux Falls Campus Safety Partnership

Working with USF to enhance campus safety through education about safety practices, crime prevention strategies, established reporting mechanisms, and timely warnings regarding safety issues.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND LOCAL COMMITMENT

Augustana University – Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Bobby’s local education demonstrates his commitment to South Dakota:

  • Local educated and locally trained
  • Preparation for local challenges through local training and leadership studies
  • “Prepare me to do it the South Dakota way!”

Previous Educational Foundation

  • Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice – Washington State University, Vancouver, WA
  • Bachelor of Science – Social Science – Portland State University, Portland, OR
  • Associate Arts – Human Services – Las Positas College, Livermore, CA

BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES

“New comers and locals must work together, for the best outcome for the whole community, and all the citizens who call Minnehaha County home.”

Bobby represents the perfect blend of outside experience and local commitment. His diverse law enforcement background across multiple states provides innovative approaches to emerging challenges, while his extensive community involvement demonstrates genuine respect for South Dakota values and traditions.

What Citizens Need for Successful Partnership:

  • Citizens of Minnehaha County working together
  • Strong Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office
  • Collaborative relationship with Sioux Falls Police Department
  • Transparent communication and mutual respect