Prevent crime, enforce the law, and support public safety by providing registration of offenders and victim notification, licensing pets and bicycles, enforcing adolescent curfews, Crime Stoppers line, Year-round drug take-back site, and offers gun locks.

Programs of the police department include ​Crime Stoppers: a non-profit organization of concerned citizens that provides the public with an anonymous means to relay information concerning criminal activity to law enforcement. Cash rewards are paid for tips that result in the arrest or indictment of those responsible. ​DARE: presented in the Yankton elementary schools. ​Pet Licensing: annual required licensing of dogs and cats. ​Animal Control, ​Citizens Academy, ​Medication Disposal: shares year-round prescription drug take-back site with Yankton County Sheriff's Office; and the ​Sex Offender Registry.

Services include enforcing municipal codes, licensing pets, licensing bicycles, Neighborhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, and a drug take-back site.