blog post 2
Gentry Scott
Professor Jenkins
PS 101
April 7, 2022
Violent Crime in Alabama
A hot topic in the state of Alabama is crime. In the recent years, we have had several crimes that have left our state shaken up, and it is time for a change. According to the “world population review” the most dangerous states in the United States are Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and in 8th place is Alabama. Alabama has the 7th highest homicide rate in the nation at 8.3 per 100,000 people. Alabama’s crime rate is 3,185.26 per 100,000 people. On average, 55% of Alabamians worry about a violent crime happening near them, and that is higher than the national average. These numbers need to be lowered drastically to improve the perception of Alabama as an overall state and increase the quality of life because if the crime rates continue to grow then the population will begin to decrease due to citizens feeling unsafe in their homes. Although, if we dig into these stats a little deeper, we can see which cities and crimes in Alabama actually caused these high numbers.
Birmingham is one of the major cities in the state that has contributed to the high crime statistics due to its large population and high crime rates. We can only hope for a downward change in these numbers. In 2017, Alabama hit the state’s all-time high of 111 homicides and it has been determined that the large population isn’t the issue because other largely populated states have been able to minimize their crime level. The city of Birmingham has become such a violent area that many people suggest avoiding certain areas, traveling alone at night, and to never ride a bike or jog after dark. In Alabama, 5 in 10 people reported carrying some type of protection with them. This is honestly heartbreaking that our citizens do not feel safe enough to not carry protection with them in case of a crime happening. According to the statistics, the only violent crime that has increased year by year is aggravated assault which came in at 79% of all violent crimes. As a citizen of Alabama, I feel I should be able to travel throughout our state, including our biggest city, and still feel safe and protected by our law enforcement in case of an incident and not have to defend myself.
With the crime rates in large cities in Alabama being a major concern in our state, we must also consider gun violence as an important topic. Peoples’ attitudes toward gun violence will continue to change throughout time as more stats, research, and topics are brought to the citizens' attention. Alabama’s gun violence experience is 138% higher than the national average. In Alabama, 61% of the population said that gun violence was their top safety concern. Although I feel this number will increase drastically with Alabama now deciding to become an open carry state. In 2020, Alabama recorded 11 mass shootings and in 2021 recorded 24. In recent months, gun violence with children as the victims has increased. The state of Alabama has to do better to protect and serve our citizens.
In order to reduce crime in the state, the citizens need to be proactive by speaking up before something happens. Citizens and law enforcement should work together to build an open line of communication to spotlight potential issues. Additionally, more police officers are needed. The visibility of officers often deters criminals and additional patrol could reduce crime. Harsher sentences for repeat offenders should also be a consideration. Helping ex-felons find employment with a pay scale to keep them above the poverty level and affordable housing would be valuable in preventing them from being repeat offenders. Another avenue the state could travel would be requiring mental health checks and waiting periods for purchasing a gun which could also contribute to lowering crime rates. With Alabama becoming an open carry state, weapons may be more available to those who may not have qualified to own a weapon in the past. The state of Alabama also needs to review its plans, laws, and protection plans to make its citizens feel more at ease. Another solution (and the most effective) being implemented to reduce crime in the state is the Project Safe Neighborhoods program spearheaded by the Department of Justice to reduce violent crimes by taking felons off the streets, reducing firearms violence, and promoting public safety.
For those who think crime is not a concern, it is most likely due to not being directly impacted by a crime. Since the number of nonviolent crimes have decreased in the state, those in rural areas may not be aware of the increase in violent crimes in more populated areas of the state.
https://www.safewise.com/state-of-safety/al/
https://usaestaonline.com/most-dangerous-cities-in-alabama
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/alabama/