MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell Police Department presented its March 2026 activity report to the Mitchell City Council on Monday, highlighting modest year-over-year changes in calls, traffic stops and accidents.
Calls for service across six counties rose to 811 in March 2026, up from 760 in March 2025. Within the City of Mitchell, calls increased from 755 to 789. Case reports written remained unchanged at 182. Overall, total calls answered increased by 85, from 1,697 last year to 1,782 this year. Year-to-date totals reached 4,815 calls.
Traffic stop data showed mixed trends. Mitchell Police conducted 387 stops in March 2026, a notable increase from 296 the previous year. However, stops in all other counties dropped from 874 to 717. Combined, total traffic stops declined from 1,170 in March 2025 to 1,104 this year. Year-to-date traffic stops stand at 2,906.
Accident reports increased compared to last year, with 25 incidents recorded in March 2026 versus 18 in March 2025. The year-to-date total is 52 accidents.
Overall, the report reflects steady increases in service demand within Mitchell, balanced by a decrease in regional traffic enforcement activity.
