Local crime information is the foundation for building a holistic understanding of a community’s safety landscape. This analysis empowers individuals, contributes to collective safety initiatives and fosters a sense of responsibility. Understanding local crime dynamics also plays a critical role in a facility manager’s ability to plan security measures that mitigate potential threats. From online crime mapping tools to community meetings, Americans are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the intricacies that shape local safety trends.
Many police departments publish reports that offer details on crime statistics for their jurisdiction. However, the data varies greatly from city to city. Some use the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, whereas others have their own reporting system. In addition, there are commercial providers that publish crime forecasts for specific locations. These reports typically provide numeric scores for homicide, robbery, burglary, assault and larceny. They may also include detailed maps that compare crime rates on a county, state and national basis.
Although overall crime is down in most areas, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a multiyear spike in murders and shootings that has yet to fully decline. Shootings are disproportionately concentrated in certain neighborhoods and precincts. And while murders are relatively rare, misdemeanor assault and other crimes motivated by animus have soared unabated since 2019.
The key to improving safety is to know what’s happening on the ground. That requires zeroing in on the specific physical and social conditions that are driving disorder and violence and addressing them holistically. But that takes the right information, and a willingness to ask tough questions.