STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis Police are putting together final numbers, but overall, this year’s Motorcycle Rally is being labeled as a success for the department.

Sturgis Police Chief Geode Vandewater told KBHB News Monday things went relatively smooth for the 86^th annual event.

“Overall, for the Sturgis Police Department, it was a good rally. Uh, numbers are down, so which is good, you know. We don’t want our numbers to be up high. That shows that we’re seeing more and more compliance with rules and regulations and, the laws of South Dakota and city of Sturgis. So, overall, it was a really good rally

Vandewater says this year’s rally saw an increased number of citations being issued for underage drinking. However, he credited the watchful eyes of the establishments this year for helping police catch those responsible.

“Throughout the rally, it seemed like there was a lot of younger kids in town. So, unfortunately, those numbers were higher. We know there’s kids here drinking, and that’s our bar owners, our security staff at the bars are able to catch them trying to violate the law to be held accountable. It tells us that our bars are stepping up their enforcement as well to make sure they don’t jeopardize any of their liquor license or any of their business.”

Parking was also an issue this year, much as it is on an annual basis during the rally.

“Illegal parking is always a hot topic and keeps us busy, you know. But I think overall, it is uh down, which is good. That tells us that there wasn’t a lot of parking issues and that people were heeding the parking where they can and where they can’t.”

Through Saturday, Vandewater says Sturgis Police responded to 1,532 calls for service, which is just slightly up over last year. Police made 192 non-traffic arrests and 176 traffic-related arrests. Both of those numbers were up over last year.

Sturgis Police also reported 128 people were booked into the Meade County Jail this year.