Sioux Falls police diversifying through merit

Standards high as recruiting efforts expand

Members of the latest 15-member Sioux Falls Police Department recruitment class. (courtesy of the Sioux Falls Police Department)

The Sioux Falls Police Department welcomed a new recruiting class of 15 officers this week.

But even with the new class, the city is seven short of the authorized 288 sworn officers for the department. Of the 281 officers on staff, 35 are in training or on probationary status, according to police spokesman Sam Clemens.

Meanwhile, Mayor Paul TenHaken is asking the City Council to fund seven new positions in next year’s budget as he aims to hit 300 sworn officers by 2025.

The latest recruiting class reflects the growing diversity in Sioux Falls. Seven of the recruits are white, four are Hispanic, two African American and two are two or more races. Three are women. Race and ethnicity are self-reported by new employees.

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