PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The number of criminal offenses reported last year in South Dakota is up slightly from 2023.
That’s according to the annual crime report, which shows that numbers rose by 1.21 percent. Notably, homicides saw a a 72 percent increase from 18 to 31, in part because of abig jump in homicides in Sioux Falls.
But that was not the only type of crime to see an uptick in South Dakota from year-to-year. Driving under the influence arrests rose by 81 compared to 2023, while meth related drug charges ticked up by 115. Fentanyl offenses, classified as “other narcotics” involved crimes, were one of the types of crimes to see a steeper rise — they jumped from 237 to 397.
Overall, more serious crimes including homicides, sex offenses, and aggravated assaults came in at a total of 47,070 for 2024, compared to 45,905 in the prior year. That equals out to a 2.53 percent increase. Less serious crimes — such as disorderly conduct and loitering — were down by 1.65 percent.
Despite the slight increase overall, Attorney General Marty Jackley says that South Dakota remains a safe place for all.
“Last year’s crime statistics demonstrated overall that South Dakota is a safe place to live and raise a family,” Jackley wrote in a statement. “Law enforcement will continue to focus on violent crime and addiction. I appreciate our dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the state.”
The crime report is compiled by the Attorney General’s Criminal Statistical Analysis Center. It is the most accurate and comprehensive compilation of South Dakota criminal statistics because it reflects actual arrests and reporting information by South Dakota law enforcement agencies. Criminal statistics help identify trends in criminal activity that assist in prevention and enforcement efforts across the state.
Other important statistics from the report include:
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Forcible rape increased by 24, or 7 percent. There were 364 forcible rapes reported in 2024, compared to 340 reported in 2023.
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There were a total of 1,777 burglaries reported in 2024. This is a 2.5 percent decrease from 2023 where 1,823 were reported. Thirty-three, or 33 percent, of burglaries reported in 2024 were forced entry.
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Juvenile arrestees accounted for 10 percent (3,776) of the total arrests (37,217), down from 3,994 in 2023, a drop of 5.5 percent.
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Of the 9,102 people arrested, 5,942 were male compared to 3,160 females.
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An overwhelming majority of people that were victims of violent offenses last year knew, or had some kind of relationship with their assailant prior to the crime.
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