According to new data from the Rapid City Police Department Violent crime in Rapid City continues to decline,. Overall violent crime in 2025 was 6% lower than the five‑year average, though slightly higher than 2024. Cases have steadily fallen from 1,432 in 2020 to 1,122 in 2025, with 2024 marking the lowest total at 1,062.
Police Chief Don Hedrick credits the long‑term decrease to stronger community partnerships and increased staffing, noting that 2025 was the closest the department has been to fully staffed in a decade.
At the same time, police activity has risen. Calls for service have grown 22.8% over five years, and proactive enforcement has led to a 92% increase in citations, a 56% increase in warnings, and a 17% rise in annual arrests compared with the five‑year average.
Despite overall declines in violent crime, some categories saw increases. Homicides rose from eight in 2024 to ten in 2025, slightly above the five‑year average. Aggravated assaults hit a five‑year high of 552 cases, many concentrated in the Star Village neighborhood. Assaults against law enforcement also climbed, with prosecutions jumping from 86 in 2024 to 123 in 2025, including nine attempts to disarm officers. Sexual assault reports increased from 159 in 2024 to 171 in 2025.
Other crime categories improved significantly. Robberies dropped 17% compared to the five‑year average, and burglaries fell from a 2020 peak of 660 to 317 in 2025. Theft overall increased 18%, largely due to improved reporting of retail theft, while thefts from vehicles dropped 26% and stolen vehicles fell 40%.
Looking ahead, Hedrick said the department will continue adapting to the city’s growth. A new north Rapid City precinct is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026 to expand coverage and training capacity.
Comments