Watertown SD Police Department

06/11/2026

Teen Police Academy 2026

From June 8th-10th, an amazing group of local teens got an inside look at what it takes to wear the badge. Throughout the academy, participants stepped into the shoes of law enforcement officers and experienced hands-on training that challenged them, taught them new skills, and built lasting connections.

Over the three days, they explored:
🔹 SWAT operations and tactical equipment
🔹 Crime scene investigations and evidence processing
🔹 Fi****ms safety and demonstrations
🔹 Driving simulator scenarios
🔹 Handcuffing techniques
🔹 911 dispatch operations
🔹 Traffic stops

Our goal is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at policing while building trust, leadership, communication, and understanding between our officers and the youth in our community. A huge thank you to every teen who participated with enthusiasm, asked great questions, and stepped outside their comfort zones.

A special thank you goes to Lake Area Technical College Law Enforcement Program for partnering with us by providing access to their driving simulator, supplying an instructor to guide participants through realistic scenarios, and sharing valuable knowledge and real-world experience with our future leaders. Your support helped make this experience even more engaging and memorable!

We hope each participant left with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a greater appreciation for the many roles that keep our community safe.

📸 Be sure to check out our photos from the week and tag yourself or your friends!

06/10/2026

Parents, are you looking for safety resources for your little online gamer? Check out this free webinar on Safe Online Gaming, happening June 23rd! Click the link to register!

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

06/09/2026

Today is the day to get registered for the Freedom Run 5K or Walk! Look at these amazing door prizes we will be giving away 😲 plus lots of fireworks! Shirt order has to be placed this Friday morning at 10AM so if you want to be guaranteed a shirt, register NOW.

Register online or stop by the Watertown Police Department and fill out a registration form during regular business hours.
https://freedomrun5kwalk.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=16750

06/06/2026

Social Media Safety Matters!
What you post online can have lasting consequences. Take a few minutes to review your privacy settings, think before you post, know who you're interacting with, and report suspicious or harmful behavior. A little caution today can help protect your future tomorrow.

06/05/2026

STOLEN MOTORCYCLES: Help Us Bring Them Home!
The Watertown Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen trailer and nine South Dakota Department of Public Safety motorcycles, as well as identifying the individual(s) responsible for the theft.

The theft occurred during the early morning hours of May 13, 2026, from the southwest area of Watertown. Surveillance footage shows what appears to be a black Dodge crew cab pickup towing the stolen trailer westbound out of Watertown. Investigators later tracked the vehicle through Clark, South Dakota, but the identity of the suspect(s) remains unknown.

The stolen property includes:
• A silver 2013 8' x 22' aluminum trailer bearing SD Plate: 1056TR
• Six 2008 black Suzuki GZ250 motorcycles
• Three 2011 white/copper Suzuki TU250X motorcycles

Anyone who may have seen these motorcycles, the trailer, or the suspect vehicle, or who has information regarding their whereabouts, is encouraged to contact Detective Brandon Johnston at the Watertown Police Department at (605) 882-6210. The Watertown Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.

Attached are stock photographs of the stolen motorcycles and the actual trailer, as well as a surveillance image of the suspect vehicle towing the trailer and motorcycles during the theft.

These motorcycles are used to provide motorcycle instruction and rider education to citizens across South Dakota. Their theft has significantly impacted these training efforts, and we are asking anyone with information to come forward and help us recover them.

06/05/2026

Happy National Donut Day! It's the ultimate cop's dream to have donuts seeds where you just have to add water!

Check out Watertown SD Police Department’s video.

06/05/2026

The Watertown Police Department would like to thank Captain Dennis Jolly of the Salvation Army and Hy-Vee for bringing donuts in for National Donut Day.

06/03/2026

It's severe weather season. Let's get prepared. Today, we hear from Emergency Management, Fire Rescue, and an insurance agent in this episode of The Watertown Watch.