Crime in South Dakota fell slightly in 2023

Criminal offenses in South Dakota were down slightly in 2023 compared with a year prior.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the the Crime in South Dakota 2023 report recently, which indicated that the number of reported criminal offenses last year  was 67,145. That is a decrease from the 68,917 reported in 2022, or just over 2 percent.

“Law enforcement statewide has been proactive and diligent in fighting crime, and those efforts are working,” Jackley said in a statement. “Not only is law enforcement focusing on violent crimes but also the prevention and enforcement on drug crimes involving methamphetamine and fentanyl.”

The more-serious crimes, which include offenses such as homicides, sex offenses and aggravated assaults, totaled 45,905 in 2023, compared with 48,249 in 2022. The number of less-serious offenses, which include crimes such as DUI and disorderly conduct, totaled 21,240 in 2023, compared with 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,” Jackley said. “That support helps law enforcement better protect our communities.”

Other category numbers include:

• There were 18 homicides reported in 2023, down from 22 in 2022.
• Aggravated assaults were at 2,081, down from 2,190.
• DUI arrests were at 5,412, up from 5,406.
• Total drug offenses increased to 6,315, compared with 6,269.
• Drug offenses involving methamphetamine were at 3,018, compared with 3,547.

Fentanyl offenses are included in the “other narcotics” category. There were 237 “other narcotics” offenses reported in 2023, compared with 218 in 2022.

“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,” Jackley said. “That continues to be a major focus for federal, state and local law enforcement throughout the state.”