The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data provides crucial insights into crime rates across the United States, shedding light on the safety of various cities. In Pennsylvania, recent FBI data has unveiled the most dangerous cities in the state, highlighting areas of concern for residents and policymakers alike.
McKees Rocks
McKees Rocks, also called “The Rocks,” is a borough in Allegheny County known for being the most unsafe place to live in Pennsylvania. With around 5,920 residents, McKees Rocks has a high crime rate of 6,409 incidents per 100,000 people.
This makes the city 173% more dangerous than the national average. In 2022, there were 106 incidents of violent crime and 262 incidents of property crime, which are notably high considering the city’s small population.
Darby
Darby, a city in Pennsylvania, has a high level of violence, with 152 reported murders in 2021 among its population of 10,667. Property crime is also prevalent, with a rate of 4,625 incidents per 100,000 people.
Residents face a 1 in 22 chance of experiencing any type of crime. Moreover, Darby has a notably high poverty rate, with residents earning less than $35,000 annually on average.
Chester
Chester, situated near Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is known as one of the state’s most perilous cities. With a population of 32,605, it often appears on lists of the nation’s worst places to reside due to its significant crime and political misconduct over time. Crime in Chester surpasses the Pennsylvania state average by 116%, recording 4,389 crimes per 100,000 residents. In 2021, the median home price in Chester was merely $66,800.
Yeadon
Yeadon, a town in Pennsylvania’s Delaware County, is considered risky. Its crime rate stands at 4,083 per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 25 chance of being victims of crime. FBI data from 2021 shows 747 violent crimes and 3,336 property crimes per capita. The median home price in Yeadon is $138,000, with an average household income of $48,420.
What Measures Are Being Taken to Reduce Crime in the Most Dangerous City in Pennsylvania
According to the sources provided, several measures are in place to reduce crime in Pennsylvania’s most dangerous city:
1. Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP): This program aims to address crime and violence by intervening at the community level. It involves evaluating the impact of environmental design changes on public safety outcomes and is being assessed by the American Institutes for Research.
2. Gun Violence Intervention (GVI): Philadelphia has implemented evidence-based practices like GVI to combat gun violence. The approach is evaluated by the University of Pennsylvania and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The GVI team is also working with the Center for Economic Opportunities (CEO) for employment services, which has been proven to reduce recidivism and increase employment outcomes.
3. Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI): Philadelphia is conducting a feasibility study to launch a pilot of READI, a program that engages individuals at high risk and connects them to cognitive behavioral therapy, paid transitional jobs, and support services. READI is currently deployed in Chicago and is being evaluated by the University of Chicago Crime and Poverty Labs and Heartland Alliance Social IMPACT Research Center.
4. New Tools for Gun Violence & Investing in Protective Factors: The city is investing in new initiatives like 911 Triage & Co-Responder to better identify when people are calling 911 due to mental health issues. Additionally, efforts are being made to deepen the focus on interventions with individuals and specific city blocks most vulnerable to gun violence, aiming to achieve a reduction in gun violence and improve the quality of life in affected communities.
These measures reflect a comprehensive approach that combines community interventions, evidence-based practices, employment services, and initiatives targeting gun violence to address the complex issue of crime in Philadelphia, the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FBI data revealing the 4 most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania serves as a call to action for stakeholders at all levels. By leveraging this information, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders can collaborate to implement effective strategies that address crime, promote safety, and foster thriving communities across the state.
This article underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in tackling crime and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to enhance public safety in Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable cities.