Title: Frequently Asked Questions: Inmate Releases:: SD Dept. of Corrections
Headings: frequent questions
frequent questions
Inmate Releases
What are the different ways for an inmate to be released from prison?
What happens before an inmate is released in any of those ways?
Do inmates receive money when they are released?
Do inmates receive anything that shows they have completed their sentence?

Content: 1.4.G.2 Inmate Release Procedure
What are the different ways for an inmate to be released from prison? An inmate could be discharged from custody upon serving their complete sentence, often known as "flatting" their sentence, be paroled or be released on suspended sentence. What happens before an inmate is released in any of those ways? Staff in the records department review the date calculations of the inmate's sentence and check for any holds or detainers placed on inmates by other law enforcement agencies. If the inmate was convicted of a sex offense, the forms required for them to register as a sex offender are sent to them to complete before their release. If the release date is confirmed, staff also then determine the amount of money the inmate has in their bank account, the forwarding address and transportation needs for the inmate and forward this information to the institution business office. Do inmates receive money when they are released? Yes. This is often known as gate money. If paroling or releasing on suspended sentence, the inmate may receive a bus ticket or a ride on a transport shuttle to the county of commitment or equivalent distance.