With differing degrees of severity, crime is a major problem in many American cities. Pennsylvania has a violent crime rate of 316.5 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the 366.7 national average, according to the FBI.
Nonetheless, there are notable variations in crime rates across the state’s cities. One city in particular, Chester, a tiny community of about 34,000 people, sticks out as the most dangerous in Pennsylvania.
With 1,383 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Chester has a violent crime rate that is more than four times higher than the state average and over 37% more than the next closest city, Philadelphia.
Furthermore, Chester has a property crime rate that is almost twice as high as the state average at 3,005 per 100,000 population.
This article examines Chester’s history, demographics, economics, and issues in an effort to shed light on the causes influencing the city’s high crime rates.
Additionally, it will evaluate possible remedies meant to lower crime and improve public safety in this Pennsylvanian city.
Chester: The City With the Highest Crime Rate in the State
Chester, a small city in Delaware County, close to Philadelphia, with about 34,000 citizens, has long struggled with persistent problems like unemployment, poverty, and social concerns.Chester’s high crime rates are caused by a number of things, such as gang violence, drug trafficking, low educational attainment, and a dearth of resources for police enforcement.
In Pennsylvania, Chester is not an unusual occurrence; high crime rates are also a problem in McKeesport, Pottstown, Wilkinsburg, New Kensington, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Swatara Township, Darby Township, and Allentown.
State and local governments have launched programs including community policing, drug treatment, youth mentorship, and economic development in an effort to curb crime. The enduring patterns of crime and violence in these places have shown to be resilient to change in spite of these attempts.
Beyond the present safeguards in place, additional investment, teamwork, and innovative approaches are needed to address the underlying causes of crime and improve the quality of life for inhabitants.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Tennessee
Comparison of Pennsylvania’s Crime Rate With the Other Other States
Pennsylvania had a crime rate of twenty-fifth in the nation in 2020, with 389.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, or 49,793 total offenses, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
High rates of violent crimes like homicide and aggravated assault as well as property crimes like theft and burglary are to blame for the state’s high crime rate.
Although Pennsylvania’s crime rate is higher than that of most Northeastern states, it still closely resembles the national average of 388 occurrences per 100,000 inhabitants.
With 363.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, only New York has a higher crime rate in the Northeast than Pennsylvania.
Particularly, Pennsylvania saw the most increase in violent crime in the country from year to year, rising by a noteworthy 27.1% between 2019 and 2020. Significant rises in homicide (46.5% increase) and severe assault (30.8% increase) were the main causes of this increase.
Read More: This Michigan City Has Been Named the Drug Smuggling Capital of the State
To Conclude
Chester faces many difficulties, such as drug misuse, violence, unemployment, and poverty. It has the regrettable distinction of having one of the highest crime rates in the country and the highest in Pennsylvania.
Chester, though, still has hope. There are continuous efforts to revitalize the city, including enhanced public safety, social services, employment opportunities, and education.
Collaboration amongst many parties, such as the government, law enforcement, community, and private sector, is necessary to tackle these difficulties.
By working together, these organizations can help Chester get past its problems and realize its full potential. Chester is a city that should have the chance to prosper rather than just survive.