#3 most dangerous state (Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Hope: violent crime, neighborhoods, to live in)

[councilor j]

I just read on the internet that New Mexico was ranked the #3 most dangerouos state in the U.S. What do u think that is all about.I feel perfectly safe here in Albq.

[brikag]

What is the meaning of dangerous? Walking out of your front door and getting stung by a swarm of killer bees?
I think the powers-to-be make a list to scare people because those states didn't give enough money to stay off "THE LIST." Regardless, every state is dangerous in their own way. From murders, gang violence, drug epedemic, to drinking and driving, we can not ignore the problems, but we can not live in a bubble, either. Danger is everywhere. Ranking NM #3 wouldn't discourage me from moving there. At least it's not #1, not yet...

[greatdanes]

If DWI deaths are included in the dangerous stats, that might explain part of the high rating. That has been taken up in other threads.
DWI's kill a lot of people in NM, much more than gangs or other forms of violence. Also northern counties in NM have the highest per capita addictive drug use in the whole USA and that might also be factored in to a high rating. Most of Albq seems safe, but there a some bad areas. Rio Rancho is very safe.

[Crackerjack]

I agree with all of you. I don't think ABQ or NM is more dangerous than any other city of it's size. It does have crime like all cities, but I don't feel unsafe there. I wouldn't go down into central ABQ roaming around the dark alleys at night, but I don't feel unsafe at the airport, at the stores, at the malls, in most neighborhoods, etc. I do also agree Greatdanes, that DWIs are more of a danger in NM than anything else. The state has to get a grip on the senseless drinking and driving that is killing people right and left. It isn't beware the criminals in NM, it is beware the alcoholic driver! Anyone in NM can call 1-877-DWI-HALT to report to the NM State Patrol anyone you see driving drunk. Get'em off the road before they kill someone. I heard that the State Patrol is cracking down all along the Interstates in NM. Good for them! Three cheers!!!

[nmguy]

Crackerjack, I aggree with your assessment of the State Patrol.

I've noticed a lot more police presence during Thanksgiving week, which made me feel safer.

Hopefully, the accident last week that killed 5 near Santa Fe on I-25 will serve as a wake-up call.

[paleo99]

I'm not too surprised, I recall reading a few years back that NM was the most dangerous state to live in. It's the gang mentality, DWI's and domestic violence that permeates most of NM's reputation in my opinion.

[BrianH]

Id have to say on my own town that i feel perfectly safe. I think statistics would show that crime is on the up, but i think it has more to do with the latest Chief actually trying to clean up, where as before it may have been pushed undder the carpet.

Ive walked around in the AM's in both Santa Fe and Alb and felt safe too.
Id love to see the reports and see what makes us such a dangerous state before i really comment though.

One thing that has to be taken into account is that the media LOVE to blow things out of proporsion. If somebody isnt in danger, or there is no violence they dont like to tell about it. And blow it out of proportion if they do too. Brings readership / viewers up.

[archytype]

What states are number 1 and 2?

[I_LUVNM]

I looked at one website that shows New Mexico number 5 for violent crime at www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank21.html

It should be accurate being straight from the government. I am stunned South Carolina was number one but thought Florida would be up there and sure enough it is number two.

Can anyone tell me why North Dakota is the safest?

[greatdanes]

Originally Posted by I_LUVNM

I looked at one website that shows New Mexico number 5 for violent crime at www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank21.html

It should be accurate being straight from the government. I am stunned South Carolina was number one but thought Florida would be up there and sure enough it is number two.

Can anyone tell me why North Dakota is the safest?

ND probably doesn't have much in the way of gang violence or as much domestic abuse as we do here in NM. I don't know about drunk driving or drug use. Probably the cold weather keeps everyone inside for much of the year and out of trouble.