Our History

The Vermillion Police Department is a progressive agency comprised of twenty sworn and two non-sworn personnel. We serve approximately ten thousand residents within a diverse community that also plays home to the University of South Dakota. VPD generates approximately 6,000 offense reports annually, and either hosts or participates in numerous community service programs each year.

Collectively, our officers receive over a thousand hours of training annually, and also maintain numerous certifications in skills and disciplines vital to effective policing. Our marked vehicle fleet consists of Ford Explorers and a Ford F-150. Additionally, four of our officers are IPMBA-certified Police Cyclists, and utilize bicycles for routine and special patrols.

The Vermillion Police Department's offices are located at the Vermillion/Clay County Public Safety Center, located at 15 Washington Street in Vermillion. The building, constructed in 1989, also houses the Clay County Sheriff's Department, their jail facility, and the Clay Area Emergency Communications Center.

The Clay County Courthouse, which is attached to the Public Safety Center, houses multiple other State and County offices, including the Clay County State's Attorney and Public Defender, the Clerk of Courts and Court Services, the County Treasurer, Auditor and Register of Deeds, the County Health Nurse and the Veteran's Service Office.