What You Need To Know About Protesting In Sioux Falls

To say the political temperature in the country is turned up right now would be an understatement. From cable news to social media feeds to conversations around the kitchen table, emotions are running high. That tension spilled into the streets again last weekend following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, sparking renewed protests and demonstrations across the region and throughout the country.

Here in the Sioux Empire, the ripple effects of national events are often felt close to home. Sioux Falls is no stranger to people exercising their First Amendment rights. On any given week, you might see folks holding signs along 41st Street, gathering near downtown, or lining a busy intersection during rush hour. Most of these demonstrations are peaceful, orderly, and brief enough that traffic keeps moving and tempers stay in check.

But if you’re thinking about raising your voice publicly in Sioux Falls, it helps to know the local rules before you grab a poster board and a Sharpie.

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Peaceful protesting here isn’t just about chanting, holding signs, or honking your horn in solidarity. It also starts with a permit. The Sioux Falls Police Department asks organizers to contact their events services section ahead of time to discuss the details of a planned protest.

Sioux Falls Police Department Public Information Officer Aaron Benson explained to Dakota News Now that these permits help officers understand the “what, where, when, and how many” of an event. That planning allows the city to assign trained monitors from around Sioux Falls whose job is to keep everyone safe and prevent situations from escalating.

The goal isn’t to silence anyone; it’s to make sure people can express themselves without putting themselves or others at risk. A quick conversation and permit request give law enforcement the chance to prepare and, in many cases, stay out of the way.

So if current events have you feeling fired up and ready to be heard, Sioux Falls officials ask that you make one important call first. Contact the Sioux Falls Police Department’s non-emergency line at 605-367-7000 and ask for the events section.

A little planning will go a long way to help ensure peaceful protests stay peaceful and safe!