Police ask the public for help keeping downtown Thursday night events focused on fun

Downtown Thursday evening concert events have proven to be a well-loved summer event with countless benefits to Rapid City’s downtown core. Police are working to keep these evening concerts fun and safe by curbing an increase in juvenile issues in areas outside the boundaries of the event. The primary issues include disturbances and physical fighting amongst the juveniles.

Rapid City police would like to remind local parents that the Thursday evening summer events in downtown Rapid City are not a place to leave juveniles unsupervised.  “This is a serious issue that can be resolved with a little parental responsibility,” says Lt. Scott Sitts of the RCPD’s patrol division.

The RCPD would like to make it clear that these issues are not occurring within the boundaries of the event itself. In terms of public safety, Summer Nights and the Main Street Square Concert Series remain fun and safe events for the public to enjoy.

“What we’re seeing is that these kids aren’t interested in the music and other attractions of the event,” says Lt. Sitts. “They’re telling their parents that they’re going for the event, when in reality, they’re causing trouble in other parts of the downtown area or the city.”

Parents are urged to always remain attentive to the whereabouts of their kids. These Thursday night concerts are not a place for unsupervised juveniles. Parents should accompany their kids to the event.