How safe is downtown Sioux Falls?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - There will be more Sioux Falls police officers downtown.

Captain Rich Miller says it’s not because there’s an increase in crime.  He says the goal is to make workers, residents and visitors feel safe at any time downtown.               

Miller says there are three more officers on the afternoon shift now and two will be added to the morning and night shifts.  

Miller says a survey released a couple of years ago showed that some residents felt unsafe at night in downtown Sioux Falls.  He says police increased foot and bicycle patrols last year and got positive feedback from businesses and residents.

Miller says some officers from other parts of town will now have specific duties downtown.  There are no new hires.