In a semi-annual press conference to address public safety trends, statistics from January 1 through August 31, 2024, show Sioux Falls remains a safe community, especially when statistics are compared to previous years in the same timeframe. Mayor Paul TenHaken, Assistant Police Chief Nick Cook with the Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar, and Chief Deputy Jeff Gromer with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office all presented various perspectives at the public safety briefing.
Statistics specific to the Sioux Falls Police Department show the number of crimes committed so far in 2024 are relatively comparable to previous years. Sioux Falls Police officers are responding to more calls for service, which is expected with a growing community. Major crimes, like aggravated assaults and robberies, are seeing a slight decrease compared to 2023.
The Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force continues its work to identify those responsible for supplying and distributing illicit drugs in the Sioux Falls area, creating a significant increase in the amount of fentanyl and cocaine seized so far in 2024 compared to previous years.
“We know crime statistics will ebb and flow in any given year. What we pay close attention to is when we see a significant spike in any crime that is considered an outlier compared to the last several years,” said Assistant Police Chief Nick Cook. “Overall, Sioux Falls remains a safe community. We continue to invest the necessary resources to plan and respond to the growth we are seeing in our community.”
For the first time since 2017, we are seeing a decline in the number of stolen vehicles reported in Sioux Falls. So far in 2024, 950 vehicles have been reported stolen, which is less than the same timeframe in 2022 and 2023.
“As Sioux Falls continues to grow, it’s important we continue to invest the necessary resources in our public safety teams to keep Sioux Falls a place families want to live, work, and play,” said Mayor TenHaken. “I’m proud of the work the Sioux Falls Police Department does every day and am honored they chose our community to serve. By fostering strong partnerships with local agencies across the state, we can collaboratively create a safer environment for all.”