South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the overall number of criminal offenses reported statewide in 2023 was down 2.57 percent compared to 2022. The Crime in South Dakota 2023 Report indicated that the number of reported criminal offenses was 67,145 in 2023. That is a decrease from the 68,917 reported in 2022.
“Law enforcement statewide has been proactive and diligent in fighting crime, and those efforts are working,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “Not only is law enforcement focusing on violent crimes, but also the prevention and enforcement of drug crimes involving methamphetamine and fentanyl.”
The more severe crimes, which include such offenses as homicides, sex offenses, and aggravated assaults, totaled 45,905 offenses in 2023, compared to 48,249 in 2022. Less serious offenses, including DUI and disorderly conduct, totaled 21,240 in 2023, compared to 20,668 in 2022.
“Crime, unfortunately, is always part of our communities, which is why it remains important for law enforcement agencies to continue receiving the support of their local governments and citizens,” said Attorney General Jackley. “That support helps law enforcement better protect our communities.”
Other category numbers indicate:
- 18 homicides were reported in 2023, down from 22 in 2022.
- Aggravated assaults were 2,081 in 2023, down from 2,190 in 2022.
- DUI arrests were 5,412 in 2023, up from 5,406 in 2022.
- Total drug offenses were increased to 6,315 compared to 6,269 in 2022.
- Drug offenses involving methamphetamine were at 3,018 in 2023, compared to 3,547 in 2022.
- Fentanyl offenses are included in the “Other Narcotics” category. Two hundred thirty-seven other narcotics offenses were reported in 2023, compared to 218 in 2022.
- Forcible Rape decreased by 79 or 18.85%. There were 340 forcible rapes reported in 2023, compared to 419 reported in 2022.
- 1,823 burglaries were reported in 2023—a 21.35% decrease from 2022, where 2,318 were reported. Twenty-nine (28.91%) percent of burglaries reported in 2023 were forced entry (527).
- In 2023, juvenile arrestees accounted for 10.8% (3,994) of the total arrests (36,983), down from 4,070 in 2022, a drop of 1.87%.
- The number of reported arrests in 2023 for DUI was 5,412, an increase of six arrests or 0.11% from the total of 5,406 reported in 2022.
- In 2023, 6,315 total drug offenses were reported, compared to 6,269 reported in 2022, an increase of 0.73%
“Drug crimes, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl, continue to be a significant problem in South Dakota, with more than 10 pounds of fentanyl being seized in South Dakota last year,” said Attorney General Jackley. “That continues to be a major focus for federal, state, and local law enforcement throughout the state.”
You can read the full article at KXLG.