Some of the most well-known and populated cities in the world, including New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester, are located in New York State. Not all of them, though, are similarly tranquil and safe. Out of all the counties and big cities in New York State, one town sticks out as being the most violent and deadly, according to the FBI’s most recent crime statistics.
Fife: The Most Violent Town in New York State
In Niagara County, close to the Canadian border, sits the village of Fife. It is home to roughly 10,000 people and occupies 5.8 square miles. Despite the town’s seeming tranquility, the crime figures paint a different picture.
Fife’s violent crime rate in 2021 was 1,238.5 per 100,000 residents, more than ten times higher than the state average of 112.3, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are examples of violent crimes. Additionally, the rate of property crime in Fife was 5,678.9 per 100,000 people, more than four times greater than the average for the state of 1,257.9. Theft of motor vehicles, larceny, and burglary are examples of property crimes.
Not only does Fife have the highest crime rates in New York State, but it also has some of the highest nationwide. Out of 18,000 cities, Fife is ranked as the 11th most unsafe in the country by the website Neighborhood Scout. This indicates that Fife is riskier than 99.9% of the nation’s cities.
What Makes Fife So Violent?
The reasons behind Fife’s high crime rates are unknown, although gang involvement, drug misuse, unemployment, and poverty are among potential culprits. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Fife’s poverty rate for 2019 was 28.9%, more than double the state average of 13.3%. Additionally, Fife’s unemployment rate in 2020 was 9.4%, higher than the 8.4% state average. Some locals may turn to crime as a means of surviving or coping as a result of these financial difficulties.
The existence of gangs and narcotics in Fife is another element that might be responsible for the violence there. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office claims that Fife is a hub for drug distribution and trafficking, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. These substances have the potential to make users violent or illogical, and they are extremely dangerous and addictive. A number of gangs, including the Bloods, the Crips, and the Latin Kings, who engage in robberies, shootings, and turf conflicts, are also based in Fife.
How Can Fife Become Safer?
Fife has been dealing with a persistent problem of crime for many years; it is not a recent occurrence. There might be some promise for future advancement, though. Several measures have been implemented or suggested to mitigate criminal activity in Fife, including:
- Increasing police presence and patrols in the town, especially in the areas with the highest crime rates.
- Implementing community policing and outreach programs, such as the Fife Police Athletic League, which aims to build trust and positive relationships between the police and the youth.
- Providing more resources and support for drug prevention and treatment, such as the Niagara County Opioid Task Force, which offers education, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid users.
- Creating more opportunities and incentives for economic development and job creation, such as the Fife Industrial Development Agency, which offers tax breaks and grants for businesses that locate or expand in the town.
- Enhancing the quality of life and social services for the residents, such as the Fife Community Center, which offers recreational, educational, and cultural programs for children, adults, and seniors.
Conclusion
The regrettable distinction of being both the most dangerous and violent town in the state of New York and among the most violent in the entire country belongs to Fife. Numerous causes, including poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, and gang activity, contribute to the high crime rates in Fife. To make Fife a better and safer place to live, there are, nevertheless, also certain projects and activities underway. While Fife might not be able to improve its image right now, it could be able to overcome its obstacles and realize its full potential in the future.
