Law Officers Increase Patrols Around Sioux Falls Mosques

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Law enforcement agencies in Sioux Falls are increasing patrols around mosques in response to anti-Muslim violence and vandalism elsewhere in the country.

Police Chief Matt Burns tells the Argus Leader newspaper that authorities want to "promote a feeling of safety and security in all areas of the city."

The head of the Muslim Community Center of South Dakota says leaders asked for extra patrols at the city's three mosques during times of prayer as a precaution.

Multi-Cultural Center Director Christy Nicolaisen says she thinks the added patrols are a good idea.

An estimated 5,000 Muslims live in Sioux Falls.

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