A recent report shows that four cities in Pennsylvania have very high crime rates, making them some of the most dangerous places in the United States. These cities are McKees Rocks, Darby, Chester, and McKeesport. Their high levels of crime and violence are causing serious concern.
McKees Rocks
McKees Rocks, also known as “The Rocks,” is a borough in Allegheny County. It is considered the most dangerous place to live in Pennsylvania. With a population of 5,920, the crime rate is 6,409 per 100,000 people, which is 173% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 106 violent crimes and 262 property crimes, which is a lot for such a small population.
Darby
Darby is one of the most violent cities in Pennsylvania. In 2021, there were 152 murders in a population of 10,667. Property crime is also very high, with 4,625 incidents per 100,000 people. This means residents have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of crime. The poverty rate is also high, with the average income being less than $35,000 a year.
Chester
Chester, near Philadelphia in Delaware County, is another very dangerous city in Pennsylvania. It has 32,605 residents and often appears on lists of the worst cities to live in the U.S. due to its high crime rates and political corruption. The crime rate is 116% higher than the state average, with 4,389 crimes per 100,000 people. In 2021, the median home price in Chester was only $66,800.
McKeesport
McKeesport, a city in Allegheny County, has a population of 17,727. It is considered dangerous, with a crime rate of 4,291 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming crime victims. In 2021, there were 332 violent crimes and 542 property crimes reported. The city also faces issues with poverty and unemployment, with a median household income of only $26,271.
Measures to Improve Safety
To improve safety in these four cities, several measures are being taken:
- Real-Time Response Systems: Implementing systems that use various data sources, like video sensors and dispatch records, to help public safety officials respond quickly to emergencies.
- 5G Connectivity: Ensuring reliable and widely available 5G connectivity to support smart public safety technology, including prioritizing network resources during crises and using intelligent video and AI analytics.
- Public Transport Safety: Providing high-quality public transport with safe access for commuters, including dedicated bus lanes, clearly marked crossings, and easy pedestrian access.
- Data Analysis: Using data analysis to identify key areas for safety improvements, such as mapping traffic crash data to find problem areas and rescheduling deliveries to reduce risks.
- Complete Streets: Designing streets that are safe for everyone, not just cars. This includes space for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, as well as safety features like refuge islands and medians.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Creating dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, such as pedestrian-only streets, street plazas, and bike lanes, which reduce fatalities and injuries.
- Urban Design Principles: Using urban design principles that prioritize safety, such as avoiding urban sprawl, slowing down traffic, and creating a safe network for cyclists. This includes designing compact cities with pedestrian-oriented streets and dense housing.
Conclusion
The report highlights the urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies in McKees Rocks, Darby, Chester, and McKeesport. With crime rates significantly higher than the national average, it is crucial for residents and authorities to work together to address these issues. By implementing targeted law enforcement efforts and enhancing security measures, these cities can work towards reducing their crime rates and improving overall safety for their residents.