According to statistics provided by the police department, Detroit is making progress. The question remains, how much progress?
Two-thousand and twelve proved to be one of Detroit’s most deadly years. In fact, it was Detroit most deadly year since 1994. The homicide rates grew to 55 per 100,000 people. To offer some background to that number, that same year according the article, Detroit’s Homicide Rates and Violent Crimes Decline in 2013, New York had 5 homicides per 100,000 people.
What about this year? How much difference has two full years focused on reducing crime? How much difference has Detroit’s new Chief of Police James Craig and Detroit’s new Mayor Duncan made?
2015 Statistics: Homicide and Violent Crimes in Detroit
According to an article by Michigan Live, Police Chief James Craig reported that the homicide figures for 2014 and 2015 were at a 47-year low. Craig also reported that according to police statistics, violent crime and property crime have both decreased.
So what are those statistics and how do they compare to the previous years?
2015 Violent Crimes
- Homicide – 295
- Rape – 497
- Robbery – 3,103
- Carjacking – 532
- Aggravated Assault – 9,106
- Non-Fatal Shootings – 1,035
Total Violent Crimes: 13,001
2015 Property Offenses
- Burglary – 9,027
- Larceny – 15,920
- Stolen Vehicle – 7,938
Total Property Offenses: 32,885
2014 Violent Crimes
- Homicide – 299
- Rape – 599
- Robbery – 3,806
- Carjacking – 540
- Aggravated Assault – 9,215
- Non-Fatal Shootings – 1,053
Total Violent Crimes: 13,919
2014 Property Offenses
- Burglary -10,600
- Larceny – 15,270
- Stolen Vehicle – 10,356
Total Property Offenses: 36,226
2013 Violent Crimes
- Homicide – 332
- Rape – 650
- Robbery – 4,774
- Carjacking – 782
- Aggravated Assault – 8,797
- Non-Fatal Shootings – 1,161
Total Violent Crimes: 14,553
2013 Property Offenses
- Burglary – 12,844
- Larceny – 18,622
- Stolen Vehicle – 12,229
Total Property Offenses: 43,695
These numbers were report by Michigan Live. According to the source, the following are the differences from 2015 and 2013 per percentage.
- Homicide: -11%
- Rape: -24%
- Robbery: -35%
- Carjacking: -32%
- Aggravated Assault: – 4%
- Non-Fatal Shootings: – 11%
Total Violent Crimes: -11%
- Burglary: -30%
- Larceny: -15%
- Stolen Vehicle: -35%
Total Property Offenses: -21%
Detroit Continues as One of the Most Dangerous Cities in America
While it is clear that some progress has been made, Detroit is still considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in America.
The Detroit Free Press reported that Chicago had 470 killings, that is 17 homicides per 100,000. New York saw 350 homicides, which is 4 per every 100,000 residents.
While Detroit’s number was 295, that was 43 homicides per 100,000.
What Are the Mayor and the Police Chief Saying?
In an article by the Detroit Free Press, the Mayor said,
“Nobody’s declaring success — we’ve got a lot of work to do,”…“I think what the men and women of the police department have done is terrific.”
James Craig was reported saying,
“It’s not a success flag. We’re going to keep pushing hard. Our cops are working extremely hard.”
What They’ve Done this Year to Decrease Crime
According to ABCNews, Detroit Officials are crediting the following as the reasons for reduction in crime rates, http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/detroit-sees-drop-homicides-crime-2015-36135424
- Crackdown on youth violence
- Collaborations between federal and local law enforcement
- New civilian hiring to fill desk jobs
- More officers on the streets
- Police officer morale booster. For example, in 2013 before Detroit’s bankruptcy, police officers had pay cuts. This year the city provided a 4-percent raise.
- Chief James Craig has been vocal on getting police officers’ “money back”, saying he believes it to be “critical”.
“Cops do count. If cops are engaged, we have an effect on crime.” – Chief James Craig, reported by ABCNews
Summary
While statically evidence shows Detroit’s overall decreases in crime, The Detroit News reported that residents told Toni Mcllwai, the founder of nonprofit Ravendale Community Inc, they haven’t felt the decrease yet.
Your Turn
Do you think Detroit is on the path to recovery? What do you think needs to happen for Detroit’s residents to feel safe again?
