ND Attorney General Drew Wrigley at a Fargo press conference, Sept. 30
A new statewide crime report has been released by the Attorney General’s Office, showing overall crime declined in 2025 for the second year in a row, but an overall increase in violent crime has prompted A.G. Drew Wrigley to once again call for “truth in sentencing.”
Property crimes had the largest drop year over year, falling 12%. Violent crime and crimes against society each dropped 3%, according to the report. Total violent incidents dropped to just under 12,000, the lowest level recorded in the state since 2021.
A.G. Drew Wrigley says this data reflects “modest declines,” but questioned during a press conference about whether this “new norm” is acceptible. Violent crime is still elevated compared to ten years ago. Crimes that fit under that category, like murder, manslaughter, assault, sex offenses, etc. increased from 8,800 incidents in 2014 to more than 12,000 incidents per year from 2021-2024, according to the Monitor.
Wrigley blames the fact that lawmakers rejected his “truth in sentencing” policy in 2025, which aimed to lengthen sentences for offenders. He vows to pursue this again during the 2027 session. The Department of Corrections responded, with Director Colby Braun stating that the 2025 bill would have prevented access to rehabilitation programs that prevent future criminal behavior.
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