Residents describe rising crime in Northern Heights as Rapid City committee approves site for North police precinct

Several residents described sustained crime and quality-of-life problems around the Northern Heights apartment complex during public comment at the Rapid City Finance Committee meeting on April 16, 2025, and the committee approved purchase of a site for a North Rapid City police precinct that city staff and the police chief said would put sworn officers and outreach resources closer to the area.

The comments came from neighbors who said they witness drug use, fights and trespass at night. “I have seen guns discharged openly in the air,” resident Steve Domi said during public comment, adding he has seen “drug deals in person in the parking lot of the complex.” Bill Groves, a former neighbor, said he has security video showing repeated nighttime traffic and that his garage was burglarized. Denise Soko said she finds “trash” including used sanitary products in her yard and described calls to police for gunshots and rapes; Bonnie Wentz said she has repeatedly called police about assaults and graffiti near her property.

Finance Director Ainsley told the committee staff reviewed multiple potential sites and recommended the location now approved because of long-term construction and renovation costs, location and access to main thoroughfares. Ainsley also said the city intends to use general-fund undesignated fund balance for the purchase rather than the Vision Fund, and staff expects a future tax-increment financing (TIF) district to offset part of the cost.

Police Chief Hedrick said the new facility would allow the department to centralize North side units, provide training space, and be closer to outreach efforts already operating in the area. “We still have issues despite all the good work that we've done,” Hedrick said, noting the proposed site would let officers “keep our resources close to the area that needs it most.”

Committee member Bill Evans asked that the city incorporate the precinct model into the comprehensive plan so the approach is clear in long-term planning documents. Pat Roseland said she supported the purchase and credited departmental efforts with reducing crime in North Rapid City in recent years.

Action taken: the committee approved the purchase motion (moved by Biederdorff; second by Pettigrew). The motion was carried on a voice vote recorded as “Aye.” The purchase is expected to be partially offset by a future TIF district; staff noted that detail remains to be finalized.

The public commenters requested additional enforcement, better property management at the apartment complex and surveillance cameras on private or common areas; Chief Hedrick and staff said camera strategies and other public-safety tools are under review and that a future presentation tied to Vision Fund priorities will be scheduled.

Votes at a glance: purchase of North Rapid City police precinct site — motion by Biederdorff; second by Pettigrew; outcome: approved (voice vote, recorded as “Aye”).