Watertown SD Police Department

05/12/2026

Color with a Cop Watertown Intermediate School

05/12/2026

National Police Week 2026. We asked some of our Officers why they joined Law Enforcement.

Check out Watertown SD Police Department’s video.

05/12/2026

The Flame of Hope came through Watertown yesterday as part of the South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on its way to the State Summer Games in Spearfish this week!

What an awesome showing from our community. We had a great turnout of local Special Olympics athletes, supporters, and community members, along with support from City Manager Alan Stager and Mayor Ried Holien, who joined us to read a special proclamation recognizing the importance of inclusion and support for our athletes.

We also had a first this year: K9 Blue joined in and completed the entire route from Nelson Park to Foundation Plaza alongside the runners!

Moments like this are a reminder of what makes Watertown such a special place to live. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on and support our athletes as we continue building a community centered on inclusion, encouragement, and opportunity for all.

Best of luck to all of the athletes competing at the State Summer Games this week in Spearfish!

05/11/2026

2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

05/11/2026

In observance of National Police Week 2026, a ceremony was held Monday morning at the Watertown Police Department to honor law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Assistant Chief Ryan Remmers led the ceremony. Mayor Ried Holien read a proclamation formally recognizing National Police Week and honoring fallen officers. Chaplain Hank Roso offered a prayer in remembrance, and Jen Dingsor performed Taps.

Members of the Watertown Police Department Honor Guard, Detective Jesse Alvardo and Sig Sivertson, conducted the flag raising ceremony. During the tribute, the Law Enforcement flag was placed beneath the American flag, and both flags were lowered to half staff in honor of fallen officers nationwide.

05/11/2026

The Watertown Police Department, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety-Office of Highway Safety, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 11th-31st, 2026.

Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.

Buckle Up the Right Way
• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.
• Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.
• NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.

We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.

05/11/2026

National Police Week Ceremony

05/09/2026

We had a great time at Watertown Christian School this morning, handing out high fives and starting the Friday off with some smiles!

Looks like some beautiful weather is headed our way this weekend, so get outside, enjoy it, and please stay safe and responsible while having fun.

Have a great weekend, Watertown!