Shock and Gore – The FBI Crime Figures On Philadelphia
I am so disgusted with the denial that exists in Philadelphia about violent crime. There is no way to rationalize the soaring murder rate and the just released FBI crime stats which show Philadelphia as the most violent of the nation’s ten largest cities. Granted: cities like Detroit with a lower population have higher crime rates, but among the largest, Philadelphia is the worst for violent crime. A small consolation — Philadelphia is 5th in non violent crime.
Now get these figures. Violent crime was up in America by 1.3 percent last year. In Philadelphia, crimes of violence were up 3 point 4 percent. Murder was up 13 percent. This year shootings are up 13 percent.
Dr. Lawrence Sherman, quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer, says the numbers may be deceiving because other big cities are now safer. Dr. Sherman is correct. New York is the safest big city in all crime and number 6 in violent crime.
The fact that New York City is safer than Philadelphia is a shock to my system, considering that a decade ago Philadelphia was the safest of the ten largest.
Rationales aside, and despite having one of the greatest police departments in the world, why is Philadelphia in such bad shape. Dr. Sherman attributes it to a poor population, but I think it is a lot more than that.
Just as town watch groups and concerned parents march on Harrisburg to campaign for an end to gun violence, municipal officials must stop the excuses and take steps to end the violence. They include:
Convincing the irresponsible suburban and western state lawmakers in the State Legislature to finally pass special gun control laws for Philadelphia.
Further engaging the business community. Business has the know-how and expertise to give City Hall much needed help.
Getting more cops on the streets. The Department is stretched thin due to budget compromises made by its leadership.
Forcing safe streets as a key issue in the 2007 Mayor’s race.
Increasing the budget for community oriented police work.
Stop blaming the people. Most Philadelphians in all neighborhoods know that the number of police are down from highs of years ago. They want safe streets. City leaders must want safe streets as much as they want luxury high rises changing the Philadelphia skyline. Encourage construction in the neighborhoods, not just the posh streets of Center City. Take a cue from the builders in Brewerytown and other neighborhoods who are successfully enhancing neighborhoods.
And listen to the Fraternal Order of Police. The Police union has great expertise in its ranks. Don’t waste the talent.
Finally, SAFE STREETS need to be priority number one!
So there you have it: More police. Better gun control. Using your resources well. And declaring all out war on crime.
Time is not on the side of City Hall. Crime fighting has to be the number one mission and NOW!.
Comments(4)
I think it is time for City hall to do something about the crime in Philadelphia. I moved here from New York thinking it was safer now I am shocked to find out that I made the wrong move. Philadelphia has so much potential. We need to put more cops on the streets, have more programs for our youth, and have surrounding states, counties etc. have stricter gun control laws.
We need to do what was done in NYC. Remember 42nd street, and Harlem 15 years ago. You should visit it now. NYC has done a great job at cleaning it all up so well. We need better, stronger political leaders to get the job done RIGHT!
I think it’s time for these liberal people to give up on the “gun control” idea for awhile. I’ve lived in the city all my life from West Philly (Overbrook) to Roxborough. I’ve also gone to Catholic school (Roman) all my life because the public school system is so messed up. Thats the problem. These kids get the wrong message in 5th grade and carry it into later years. The only thing saving normal citizens of this city is the guns. If some dude wants to come up to a law-abiding citizen and pull a gun and endanger him and his family, he should be able to protect himself. That being said, in my neighborhood now (Roxborough) people have been getting robbed, houses have been broken into, women have been raped, and it could all be prevented if the criminals had something to fear. Why take away the only thing that protects us? And by the way… the Philly cops?! Listen my dad was a Philly cop, 20 years ago now, and they were the best then. Now…? they don’t even show up…! Someone better do something down at Police HQ to get these cops up and running because it’s really the citizens who are suffering. The city is out of control and it isn’t the guns that are the problem, it’s the people that pull the trigger that are the problem. And YO CITY HALL, DON’T BOTHER TRYING TO TAKE THE GUNS AWAY, WE HAVE RIGHTS…! Just like the criminals you continually let back onto the streets. And as a closing, ask yourself… “Who has more rights, the law-abiding citizen… or the one who just robbed the law-abiding citizen…?” In this city, the answer will supprise you.
Angelica:
I think a NY style cleanup would be sensational.
Nick: You’ve got a point about “people” rather than weapons. But remember this: most of the crime in Philadelphia these days is youth related. And when guns are available.. bad things happen
On the other hand -the issue is what is the priority in Phila.–a fancy downtown or safe neighborhoods..
As far as police–there were 9000 20 years ago…. 3 thousand more than today
Thanks for writing.
Larry
I think that youth related gun violence has to do with acquiring illegial guns.There is a difference between a citizen applying for a hand gun permit and wanting to defend him or herself,and a young person brandishing an illegial gun.From what I understand it is not that serious of a crime to sell a gun outside the law in Philadelphia (I wonder why).Also alot of gun violence has to do with gangs and the drug trade.If we decrease there revenue we decrease there power.Maybe there is a better way to handle this,after all prohabition did not work in the 1920′s why would it work now?