SAFETY CHECK: FIRE, POLICE, AND PUBLIC HEALTH
The three legs of the public safety stool
Public safety has long been a strength for Sioux Falls. But the most recent National Community Survey shows a concerning trend we can’t afford to ignore.
Of the ten categories people rated, safety ranked highest in importance at 92%, yet only sixth in quality at 65%—a 27-point gap, the second largest in the survey. That tells us something critical: people care deeply about safety, and they’re not fully confident we’re meeting expectations.
To understand how City Hall can close that gap, I spoke with leaders of the three departments most responsible for keeping Sioux Falls safe: Police, Fire & Rescue, and Public Health.
Police: CRIME Prevention & Staffing
Police Chief Jonathan Thum shared an insight that caught my attention: vehicle thefts are a leading indicator of violent crime. The City’s crime data suggests this correlation holds true locally. That means preventing property crime isn’t just about protecting cars—it’s about preventing escalation.
Madison, Wisconsin offers a compelling example. In 2021, its police department launched a campaign focused on community outreach, education, and proactive policing to prevent vehicle thefts. The result? Significant reductions in burglaries (-43%), stolen vehicles (-52%), and homicides (-33%) compared to the three-year average.
Sioux Falls can do the same—and better. I propose a Safe Streets Initiative that focuses on preventing vehicle thefts and reducing street racing by employing four key strategies:
- Expand community outreach
- Expand partnership with school districts
- Engage in proactive prevention
- Champion design solutions to reduce crime
We also need to acknowledge another challenge—staffing. Recruitment has helped, but shortages persist and likely will for some time. We must look at creative approaches including support staff expansion, technology solutions, and additional report-to-work locations to help officers spend more time serving the community.
And we can’t ignore recidivism. Hundreds of formerly incarcerated people return to our community each year. With a statewide recidivism rate near 50%, we must do more to help people succeed upon return—because when they succeed, our community is safer. The State must step up and invest meaningfully in re-entry programs. thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve, we can ensure it stays that way.
Fire & Rescue: A Quiet Strength
Fire Chief Matt McAreavy provided a different perspective—and a reassuring one. Unlike police staffing, Sioux Falls Fire & Rescue is not facing major staffing shortages. And while it may be tempting to search for efficiencies by cutting or reassigning certain responsibilities, that wouldn’t significantly change operational needs.
SFFR responds to structure fires, medical emergencies, rescues, lift assists, manages Metro Communications, enforces fire code, provides CPR and extinguisher training, and even installs child seats. Eliminating smaller tasks wouldn’t change the fact that the department must be ready for major emergencies at any moment.
And they’re delivering. SFFR’s response times are strong, helping keep people safe and insurance premiums lower for property owners. While efficiency should always be explored, Sioux Falls Fire & Rescue is performing exceptionally well today.
Public Health: Care & Protection
The third leg of the safety stool is Public Health. Director Joe Kippley highlighted two key opportunities: ambulance service sustainability and streamlining code enforcement.
Ambulance services are already difficult to financially sustain nationwide. While Sioux Falls is currently in a stronger position than many cities, declining reimbursements and increased uninsured rates may change that reality. As nearby communities struggle to provide service, a regional ambulance approach may soon be necessary to ensure reliable care.
Code enforcement presents another opportunity. Today, multiple departments share responsibility, which often leads to calls bouncing between agencies. For residents, it should be simple: one clear point of contact, quick response, and consistent accountability. Consolidating inspection and enforcement functions could help accomplish that.
Moving Forward
Public safety is fundamental. When residents feel safe, everything else—economic growth, neighborhoods, community life—thrives.
As mayor, I will champion solutions that:
- Prevent crime before it happens
- Support law enforcement effectiveness and staffing
- Invest in successful re-entry and reduced recidivism
- Maintain elite fire and rescue performance
- Strengthen ambulance services for the future
- Streamline and modernize code enforcement
Sioux Falls has always taken pride in being a safe place to call home. With thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve, we can ensure it stays that way.
