Greetings from the 132 employees of the Rapid City Police Department. Our Department serves the 67,000 citizens of Rapid City as well as the citizens of nearby suburban areas, a trade area that extends at least 200 miles in any direction and the estimated 2 million tourists that visit our community and the Black Hills area every year.

The Rapid City Police Department has evolved from its 'wild west' beginnings in 1882 to a modern, technologically advanced department. We have enjoyed stability in our ranks which has allowed us to develop into one of the most progressive law enforcement agencies in the region. We are the first and, so far, only internationally accredited police department in South Dakota. CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) first accredited our department in 1990 and we have gone through our fifth re-accreditation in 2007.

We have several programs of which we are especially proud. Our School Liaison Program was among the first in the nation as were our civilian accident investigators. We see ourselves as a leader in quality training throughout the region. Our recruit training and Field Training Officer programs are especially noteworthy. Please check our various links to learn more about the Department and to communicate with us. We are always interested in sharing information, technology or even personnel with other law enforcement agencies. In addition, we are always seeking qualified, professional employees and invite interested candidates to inquire further about employment opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in the Rapid City Police Department. If we can be of further assistance feel free to contact us.

Steve Allender
Chief of Police