America’s #2 Most Dangerous Small Town is in South Dakota

Yankton, South Dakota, a town once known for its peaceful charm, has recently experienced a surprising and troubling shift. Once considered a safe haven, Yankton is now ranked as the 2nd most dangerous town in the state, a stark contrast to its former reputation. This unexpected change has left residents and authorities concerned and searching for solutions to address this alarming situation.

Current Crime Rate in Yankton, South Dakota

As of the latest data, Yankton’s crime rate is 361, which is 1.4 times higher than the national average. This rate includes various crimes such as murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, and arson. Additionally, the crime rate in Yankton has increased by 9% compared to the previous year, indicating a worrying trend.

Crime Rate Trend in Yankton, South Dakota Over the Past Decade

Over the past decade, Yankton has seen fluctuations in both violent and property crimes. Here’s a summary:

Violent Crime Rate:

• In 2015, the violent crime rate was 253.9.
• It decreased to 199.0 in 2016.
• Increased to 229.8 in 2017.
• Further rose to 313.3 in 2018.

Property Crime Rate:

• In 2003, the property crime rate was 151.5.
• It decreased to 89.1 in 2004.
• Increased to 334.1 in 2005.
• Fluctuated over the years, with a significant part of the overall crime rate of 361 in 2020.

Overall, both violent and property crime rates in Yankton have varied over the years, showing no consistent pattern.

Measures to Reduce Crime in Yankton, South Dakota

To combat rising crime rates, Yankton is implementing several measures under the South Dakota Public Safety Improvement Act, also known as the Criminal Justice Initiative:

• Earned Discharge Credits: Parolees who successfully follow parole guidelines can earn days off their sentence, promoting good behavior.
• Tribal Parole Pilot Programs: These programs are being developed to supervise parolees on tribal land, aiming to reduce repeat offenses.
• Performance and Outcome Measures: Ongoing assessment measures are being developed, with an annual report to track progress.
• Training for Parole Agents and Board Members: Annual training on best practices, risk assessments, and reducing repeat offenses is provided.
• Community Transition Program: A pilot program is establishing transition beds in the community instead of minimum security units.
• Victim Information System: This system integrates victim information with a statewide notification system.
• Restitution Collection: Efforts are being made to link the Department of Corrections with the Unified Judicial System to collect restitution from offenders more effectively.

These initiatives aim to improve public safety, reduce repeat offenses, and enhance the overall criminal justice system in Yankton.

Conclusion

Yankton, South Dakota, once a symbol of peace and tranquility, is now dealing with the reality of increased crime rates. The recent changes in safety rankings have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting collective efforts to tackle these challenges.

As Yankton navigates this challenging period, the resilience and unity of its residents will be crucial in restoring the town’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place. This transformation highlights the urgent need for action and unity in the face of adversity.