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Criticism surrounding transparency has intensified as Jim Prouty seeks re-election as sheriff of Union County, South Dakota.
Shortly after taking office, Prouty made the decision to fully encrypt Union County law enforcement radio communications. The move ended public and media access to routine sheriff’s office traffic. While encryption is increasingly common in larger metropolitan areas for officer safety and investigative protection, some residents argue the decision was unnecessary in a rural county with a relatively small population, limited deputies on duty at any given time, and a large geographic area to cover.
Encryption Decision Draws Criticism
Critics contend that full encryption in a county of this size reduces public visibility into day-to-day law enforcement activity. They argue that:
• Media outlets can no longer monitor routine calls for service.
• Residents have less real-time awareness of public safety incidents.
• The decision may signal a broader resistance to transparency.
Some opponents go further, suggesting that eliminating public radio access creates the appearance of shielding operations from scrutiny. They argue that transparency builds trust — and that removing access without a clear, detailed public explanation fuels skepticism rather than confidence.
Supporters of encryption typically cite officer safety, privacy concerns, and the protection of sensitive information as legitimate reasons for the change. However, the debate highlights a divide over how much access the public should have to local law enforcement communications.
Allegations of Limited Public Dialogue
In addition to the radio encryption issue, residents have also voiced concerns about engagement on Prouty’s public campaign page on Facebook. According to individuals who say they have commented on campaign posts, remarks that question policy decisions or leadership choices are allegedly removed or hidden if they are not supportive.
Critics argue this creates a one-sided narrative and limits meaningful discussion about issues such as transparency, administrative oversight, and policy direction. While campaign pages are privately managed and moderators have discretion over comments, opponents maintain that elected officials — particularly in law enforcement leadership — should welcome open dialogue.
Leadership Style Under Scrutiny
Beyond specific decisions, some detractors describe Prouty’s management approach as centralized and highly controlled. They argue that such a style, combined with full radio encryption and limited public engagement online, raises broader questions about openness and accountability.
As the election approaches, voters will weigh these concerns against Prouty’s experience and record in office. Ultimately, the issue for many residents may come down to trust — and whether they believe the current leadership reflects the level of transparency and community engagement they expect from their sheriff.