Where We Live: Big City Violence
18 homicides in Hartford so far this year, compared to 11 last year
The number of violent crimes in the US dropped significantly last year to the lowest rate in 40 years.
But then why haven’t Connecticut cities like Hartford and New Haven been able to join this trend?
There have been 18 homicides in Hartford this year, compared to 11 in the same period last year. In response to the rise in crime, the city has re-started a “shooting task force.” It all seems like a sad replay of violent summers past.
Earlier this year, we read stories that the FBI had named New Haven the 4th most dangerous city in the country. Turns out those stats don't really tell the story. They’ve had a rash of violence this year, and have responded with new surveillance cameras around the city.
But are they working? Today we’ll look at how two cities are dealing with crime.
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Correction made in online copy...
...on-air correction forthcoming.
Oops -- The FBI did not name
Oops -- The FBI did not name any cities the "most dangerous." In fact the FBI themselves, and all criminologists, have thoroughly the "city crime rankings" you are mentioning here, which are compiled by online blogs and are not accurate. You should consider a correction!
Listener Email from Josh
I applaud Chief Roberts for his commitment to Hartford. I think he does an excellent job under very difficult circumstances. Yes, many young people have lost their moral compass. He is absolutely correct in this. But I'm not sure it is simply the influence of the internet that has led to this situation. I think it is fair to argue that those of us who live in the suburbs have also lost our moral compass and this has a greater impact on young people in the city than the internet. We who live in the suburbs have abandoned the city. Over the decades we've taken our money, our successful schools, our safe neighborhoods and a variety of other resources and we've left Hartford to fend for itself. That is the larger moral failure in this story. Violent young people in the city are a symptom of that larger moral failure. I would like to see people in the suburbs commit to working in solidarity with city leaders and organizers to solve pressing urban problems.
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