Why is there so much crime in Philadelphia?

Why is there so much crime in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, particularly in terms of crime rates. Despite efforts to address these issues, crime continues to plague the city, with Philadelphia ranking 13th in the list of cities with the highest violent crime rates in the US, according to FBI statistics.

So, why is there so much crime in Philadelphia? To fully understand this complex issue, let’s break it down into several key factors.

Historical Roots of Crime in Philadelphia

Racial Tensions: The history of Philadelphia has been marked by racial tensions and discrimination, which has led to social and economic inequality. The city was the site of the Great Upheaval of 1741, a civil insurrection led by slave-owning whites to remove all African Americans from the city. This trauma was followed by decades of legalized segregation, redlining, and discrimination, leaving long-term scars on the black community.

Decline of Industry: Once a thriving industrial city, Philadelphia’s economy began to decline in the mid-20th century, as major industries such as textiles and manufacturing left the area. This led to mass job loss, poverty, and social unrest.

Prohibition and the 1930s: During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), Philadelphia saw the rise of organized crime and corruption, as organized mobs like the infamous Mafia sought to profit from bootlegging and other illicit activities. This period marked a significant turning point in Philadelphia’s crime landscape.

Socio-Economic Factors

• Poverty and Lack of Opportunities: Poverty remains a significant issue in Philadelphia, with around 27% of residents living below the poverty line, according to the United States Census Bureau. A lack of job opportunities and accessible education has contributed to persistent poverty.
• Broken Homes and Family Strain: Philadelphia’s child poverty rate is twice that of the national average (32.9% vs. 13.1%), leading to unstable home environments and potential cycles of violence.
• Unemployment and Welfare Receipt: Philadelphia’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, at around 6.8%, while welfare receipt rates are among the highest in the country.
• Limited Access to Quality Healthcare: The majority of Philadelphia’s communities face limited access to quality healthcare, which can contribute to the spread of chronic illnesses and substance abuse.
• Lack of Parks and Green Spaces: Philadelphia has one of the lowest rates of parks per capita in the United States, which can impact the overall quality of life for residents.

Gun Violence and Arms Traffic

The availability of guns, both legally and illegally, is a significant contributing factor to crime in Philadelphia. The city has witnessed an alarming increase in gun-related homicides, which in 2020 claimed over 400 lives.
• Illegal Gun Trade: Philadelphia is a hotspot for illegal guns coming from neighboring states, primarily from Maryland and Delaware, where gun laws are relatively more lenient.

Street Gangs and Illegal Activity

• Many gangs operate in Philadelphia, primarily involved in illegal activity, such as drug dealing, extortion, and homicide.
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• Narco-trafficking, fueled by the increasing prevalence of opioids and fentanyl, has become a major driver of violence and illegal activity in the city.
• Prostitution, Sexual Exploitation: The illegal sex trade remains a significant issue in Philadelphia, with many trafficking victims being forced into exploitative situations.

Data and Statistics

Note: Data obtained from the Philadelphia Police Department (2016-2020) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Uniform Crime Reporting Program).

In conclusion, the complex issues that contribute to crime in Philadelphia cannot be attributed to a single factor. A thorough understanding of the historic roots of crime, socio-economic factors, gun violence, and illegal activity provides a more accurate explanation for the city’s persistently high crime rates.

Philadelphia has made progress in recent years, such as implementing community policing strategies, investing in youth programs, and strengthening gun control measures. However, addressing crime effectively requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges and tackles the underlying causes driving violence and illegal activity. Until then, the battle to combat crime in Philadelphia will remain an ongoing, arduous process.

To read the full article visit:
https://www PhillyTribune.com/index.cfm/2021/11/15/Why-is-there-so-much-crime-in-Philadelphia

References:

• Pew Research Center. (2018). Philadelphia faces numerous challenges, including a lack of affordable housing.
• United States Census Bureau. (2020). Facts for Features: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Month – May 2020.
• Philadelphia Police Department. (2020). CompStat2.
• FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.