The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics sheds light on the safety of different cities by offering vital insights into crime rates around the United States. The most hazardous cities in Pennsylvania have been identified by the FBI using recent statistics, bringing attention to these locations for both citizens and policymakers.
McKees Rocks
Allegheny County’s McKees Rocks, sometimes referred to as The Rocks, is renowned for being the most dangerous area in Pennsylvania to reside. McKees Rocks, home to about 5,920 inhabitants, has a high crime rate of 6,409 incidents per 100,000 population.
As a result, the city is 173% riskier than the country as a whole. Given the small population of the city, the 106 violent crime episodes and 262 property crime incidents in 2022 are strikingly high.
Darby
With 10,667 residents, Darby is a violent city in Pennsylvania. In 2021, there were 152 recorded murders. Property crime is a common occurrence, accounting for 4,625 incidences per 100,000 individuals.
There is a 1 in 22 probability that residents will experience some kind of crime. Furthermore, Darby’s poverty rate is very high, with an average yearly income of less than $35,000.
Chester
One of the most dangerous cities in the state is Chester, which is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, close to Philadelphia. With 32,605 residents, it frequently makes lists of the worst locations in the country to live because to high levels of crime and political corruption over the years. With 4,389 offenses per 100,000 residents, Chester’s crime rate is 116% higher than Pennsylvania’s state average. Chester’s median house price in 2021 was a pitiful $66,800.
What Measures Are Being Taken to Reduce Crime in the Most Dangerous City in Pennsylvania
In order to lower crime in Pennsylvania’s most dangerous city—Philadelphia, based on the sources cited—a number of initiatives are being put into place:
1. Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP): By addressing crime and violence at the community level, this program seeks to resolve these issues. 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 University of Pennsylvania and John Jay College of Criminal Justice assess the strategy. In order to provide employment services—which have been shown to lower recidivism and improve job outcomes—the GVI team also collaborates with the CEO.
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 3 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 highlights the value of using data-driven strategies to combat crime and the necessity of taking proactive steps to improve public safety in Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable cities.
