SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- Reported crimes in Sioux Falls are rising, but so is the population.

City officials held a news conference this week to report on crime trends.

Mayor Paul Ten Haken says they have seen their population rise rapidly in the last ten years.

The city saw 38.82 property crimes per 1,000 people and 6.21 violent crimes per 1,000 people — both slight increases from the numbers seen in 2021, although violent crimes were still below the 2020 peak of 6.55 per 1,000 people.

Ten Haken says it takes more than police to hold down crimes.

Ten Haken says they need more help from legislators.

TenHaken said the bill was born from discussions during “Safe South Dakota,” a group of city, county and state officials representing Minnehaha and Pennington counties who have begun meeting on a monthly basis to discuss public safety topics.