Alcohol-Related Problems High in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police and other officials in Rapid City are dealing with a high rate of alcohol-related problems.

Rapid City's population is less than half that of Sioux Falls, but alcohol-related arrests in Rapid City last year were more than double the number in Sioux Falls.

The Rapid City Journal reports that it isn't clear whether that's due to more alcohol abuse in Rapid City or to more enforcement. But officials say it's stressing the police department and the criminal justice system.

Pennington County in 2005 started a daily testing program for alcohol offenders, to encourage them to stay sober. It monitors about 550 people each month, and has been used as a model in other areas.

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