Crime in South Dakota 2015 Publication Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, May 13, 2016  
CONTACT: Sara Rabern  (605) 773-3215 

  
Crime in South Dakota 2015 Publication Released

PIERRE, S.D.  – Attorney General Marty Jackley released today the Crime in South Dakota 2015 report. This report is compiled by the Attorney General’s Criminal Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) and is the most accurate and comprehensive compilation of South Dakota criminal statistics as it reflects the actual arrest and reporting information by South Dakota law enforcement. Criminal statistics help identify trends in criminal activity that assists in crime prevention and enforcement efforts across South Dakota.

“The criminal statistics reflect that overall South Dakota remains a safe place to live as a result of strong community involvement and law enforcement efforts. The criminal trends identify reductions in many property crimes and offenses involving juvenile offenders. The trends also identify the need to further strengthen crime prevention efforts for drug and alcohol offenses, financial crimes, and sexual offenses against children. Increased methamphetamine use is continuing to have a significant impact on higher levels of violent crime in South Dakota,” said Jackley.

South Dakota law enforcement agencies reported a total of 40,069 arrests, a 5.84% increase from 2014 (37,857) involving 71,014 offenses in 2015, a 9% increase from 2014 (65,093).  The more serious offenses included a total of 18,572 arrests and involve the following: homicide/negligent manslaughter-16, sex offenses-117, assault-4,670, larceny/theft-3,162, fraud-524, drug/narcotic-6,818, prostitution-34, kidnapping-36, robbery-70, arson-18, burglary-291, motor vehicle theft-217, counterfeiting-78, embezzlement-34, stolen property-120, destruction of property-551, pornography/obscene material-29, solicitation of a minor- 43 and weapon law violations-203. Less serious offenses totaled 21,497 arrestees, involving the following, but not limited to DUI-6,427 (6,182 for 2014), liquor law violations-3,289 and disorderly conduct-2,342.

Some examples of the South Dakota numbers included a decrease in juvenile arrests 4,710 down from 4,888 in 2014 accounting for 11.8% of the total arrests and an increase in thefts totaling more than $25 million worth of property loss reported. 

The sex offenses and child pornography arrest categories do not include enticement/solicitation of a minor.  An additional chart for this category can be found at the end of this release.

For comparison purposes note that some statistics reflect arrest statistics and other identify incident reports.

We have provided a link to view the entire report.

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