SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(KELO)- Sioux Falls area Law Enforcement leaders say assaults against officers are on the rise…and they’re concerned.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead.

Sheriff Milstead appeared at a joint news conference with Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum this morning.

Chief Thum referenced a recent armed standoff in Brandon that left a man dead…an incident last weekend in which a state patrol trooper was fired upon by a machine gun…and a third incident involving juveniles.

He couldn’t give details on that incident, but says it’s all part of a disturbing trend.

Thum and Milstead say mentoring and good parenting are needed to turn things around.