There are many schools of thought on increased crime rate during times of economic turmoil. Some believe that it is based on the increased unemployment rate while others would like to believe there is actually an "increase" in the reporting from law enforcement agencies. Still other experts offer other alternative solutions.

However, whatever the cause, the figures speak for themselves and indeed, Spink County with a population of 6,664 based on the US Census Bureau 2008 counts, equaling just 5 people per square mile, is definitely seeing an increase.

In a recent interview with Spink County State's Attorney Vic Fischbach, he stated, "Our office has seen an increase in sex crimes and crimes involving embezzlements. This is not just occurring in Spink County and I have personally seen it in other counties as well.” Redfield City Attorney James Hare agrees saying that 95% of every crime is drug, alcohol or gambling related.

In 2008 Spink County had 146 Class 1 Misdemeanors that were tried in the courts in comparison to 182 tried in 2009. This includes Non Sufficient Funds Checks and Driving Under the Influence violations, which has seen an increase in not only the number of crimes but the penalties as well.

According to Fischbach, who investigates the Non Sufficient Fund cases, "Usually a person receives three notices on these checks and has every opportunity to take care of it. We go in and examine where it is written to, as well as check for any pattern. When someone writes three checks or more to an entity in one night we are pretty sure it is gambling or drinking." These violations can now see a day of jail for the second occurrence and a $150 fine, in addition to evaluations for gambling and other stipulations.

In 2008 there were 35 DUI's and one public drunkenness in comparison to 38 DUI's in 2009. Cost for a first time DUI? According to Fischbach, "The first DUI conviction can cost $3,000 to $4,000 and from there each offense carries a higher fine and penalty."

Liquor law violations have increased just short of doubling with 27 in 2008 versus 47 in 2009. Evaluations and aftercare are added expenses for violators.

Another area needing examination is Sex Crimes. According to year end reports from the Spink County Sheriff's Office, there were 2 arrests in 2008 for Forcible Rape versus 8 arrests in 2009. Fischbach’s office has investigated four of those in recent months and has ongoing investigations or agreements taking place on them.

Juvenile matters are also on Fischbach’s mind. However, the increase in those is not as apparent as they are broken down into two groups. Those who will be tried in the conventional system and those who will participate in the Teen Court program in Spink County. According to Fischbach, the number of Juvenile Violations has remained relatively steady increasing from just 26 in 2008 to 27 in 2009.

Further statistics from the Spink County Sheriff's Office show arrests for burglary and breaking and entering increasing from 11 to 17; all other larceny increasing from two to seven; drug and narcotic violations increasing from 15 to 19; and non-violent family offenses increasing from 10 to 41.

According to Hare, "Law enforcement is being more proactive and there is a difference in how we prosecute now." He believes that Spink County is also seeing an increase due to transient crimes such as the controlled substances being found in traffic stops and points out that Spink County has a major junction where Highways 212 and 281 meet adding to the job for law enforcement. Hare sees an upsurge in prosecution in the county due to an upsurge of offenders being caught.

Tally of statistics show that in 2008 there was a total of 241 Offense counts versus 255 in 2009 with 19 of those cases in 2008 involving juveniles versus 42 cases in 2009 adding to an already busy court docket.

Spink County has court scheduled two Tuesdays a month to handle the volume adding to the schedule of State's Attorney Fischbach who also appears before the Spink County Commissioners on Tuesdays to advise them on matters from his office as well as provide counsel on legal matters for them and other Spink County Courthouse offices. For this Fischbach is paid on the lower end of the spectrum if one compares counties of similar size. A list of SD State's Attorney's salaries available for 2009 reveals that Fischbach received approximately $4,000 less than the State's Attorney for Fall River County and that Fall River has a part-time deputy in their office to help handle the case load.