SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Sioux Falls Police department has increased the number of officers patrolling the city’s downtown around the clock in an effort to address the perception that the area is not safe.
Community surveys have shown that people don’t feel safe downtown, particularly at night. Yet, police officials argue people’s idea about downtown isn’t backed by crime statistics.
“This isn’t being done because we’ve recognized there’s an issue downtown or that there’s been an increase in crime down there,” Capt. Rich Miller told the Argus Leader (https://argusne.ws/1b6WAEm ). “It’s really being done because we want to keep it the safe environment that we believe it is.”
Miller said three officers will patrol downtown during the afternoon shift, and two officers will patrol the area during the morning and at night.
Miller added that the area’s recent population growth alone has created the need for more patrolling officers.
Gabrielle Spangler, who owns a new men’s clothing store downtown, recently told the newspaper she was leery about opening the store out of safety concerns. But, she said, she hasn’t had many issues with people loitering or taking shelter in the store.
“Knowing that someone would be passing by, like a police officer, down here, I know I don’t have to be as worried or as cautious,” Spangler said.
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Information from: Argus Leader, https://www.argusleader.com
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