This Town in Louisiana State Takes the Crown for Most Violent

Louisiana is often listed as the most dangerous state in America, based on various studies that look at the number of violent crimes per person. But which town in Louisiana is the worst? The answer might surprise you.

The Most Dangerous Town in Louisiana

A report by Security Gauge, a crime risk assessment platform, named Bessemer as the most dangerous town in Louisiana. However, there’s a twist: Bessemer is actually a small southwestern suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Even though it’s in Alabama, it’s considered part of the Louisiana metropolitan area, which crosses state borders.

Bessemer ranks number one on a list of the 100 most dangerous places to live in America. This list includes towns with 25,000 or more people and is based on crime rates. The report looked at violent crimes like homicide, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault from 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the U.S. The results are measured per 1,000 people.

The data showed that people living in Bessemer have a one in 30 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. With around 27,000 residents, Bessemer’s crime rate is much higher than other towns of a similar size. It is particularly notorious for physical violence, property crime, and motor vehicle theft.

Why Bessemer Became So Dangerous

Bessemer has a history of economic and social problems that have contributed to its high crime rate. Once a booming industrial center producing iron and steel, the decline of manufacturing in the late 20th century left many people without jobs and in poverty.

The town also has significant racial and political tensions. It is mostly African American and has a history of civil rights activism and violence. Notable incidents include the 1968 assassination of civil rights leader Rev. James Reeb, the 1979 Ku Klux Klan bombing of a black church, and the 2019 shooting of a black man by a white police officer.

Corruption and mismanagement in local government have also been issues. There have been multiple scandals involving mayors, council members, and police chiefs accused of fraud, bribery, extortion, and abuse of power. This has made it hard for Bessemer to provide good public services and safety.

What Bessemer is Doing to Improve

Despite its bad reputation, Bessemer is working hard to turn things around. The town is trying to revive its economy, infrastructure, and community. Here are some of the steps Bessemer is taking:

  • Attracting New Businesses: In 2020, Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Bessemer, creating over 1,500 jobs.
  • Improving Education: Bessemer City Schools received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2021 to start a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.
  • Enhancing Culture and Recreation: The town has places like the Bessemer Hall of History, which shows its rich heritage, and the Alabama Splash Adventure, a popular water and amusement park.
  • Reducing Crime: The Bessemer Police Department has increased patrols, surveillance, and community outreach. Additionally, Bessemer Crime Stoppers offers rewards for tips that lead to arrests.

Conclusion

Bessemer, a town in the Louisiana metropolitan area, is considered the most dangerous place in America according to a report by Security Gauge. The town faces high violent crime rates due to its economic, social, and political issues. However, Bessemer is not without hope. The town is making significant efforts to improve and has a lot of potential. Despite being the most dangerous town in Louisiana, Bessemer is also a place of resilience and determination.

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