Crime Reduction in Philly (Philadelphia: unemployment, neighborhoods, living in)

[Duderino]

I'm not going to post the article in full, but I saw this on the Inquirer website and thought it was important to share, as crime in the city is an issue that I'm sure is on everyone's mind:

Ramsey’s goal: 100 less murders a year | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/30/2008 (broken link)

I'm personally cautiously optimistic, but Ramsey seems to have the right idea. Nutter and his administration are definitely starting off on the right track by making tackling crime a top priority. What do others think? Will the goals be met and further propel what appears to be the beginning of a safer Philadelphia?

[Tone509]

Ramsey did a pretty good job down here in DC, considering the city's challenges. I think the new mayor here just wanted to put his own stamp on the police force by replacing him.

Nutter seems to want to make some changes in a way that is more cost-effective that Street's "Operation Safe Streets". Of course, the long-term solution would be education and jobs. But I guess sometimes you need to deal with the symptoms before you can address the cure.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Nutter seems to want to make some changes in a way that is more cost-effective that Street's "Operation Safe Streets". Of course, the long-term solution would be education and jobs. But I guess sometimes you need to deal with the symptoms before you can address the cure.

Excellent point. Although combating crime is extremely important, unless Nutter tackles that which gives people an inclination to commit crime (i.e., unemployment, low-education levels, poverty, etc.), then it's shoveling a path in the middle of a blizzard. Crime must be combated on a variety of fronts, which takes more than just police force.

[TheRisingSon]

You're right about crime having to be combated on a variety of fronts. Unemployment and education needs to be the major focus as most of the people murdering and commited crimes are from below poverty levels. Theres a point in time where a person doesn't even care if there are police because of how hungry they are, I know because I used to be within the demographic. I think there will be a small change in the homicide rate because of Ramsey but in the long run it won't really affect it.

[orrmobl]

Guys,
With all due respect, I'm pretty sure the rapists and muggers and drug dealers aren't hungry. I'm liberal but I'm not so liberal as to believe Philly needs to improve the socioeconomic status of its residents and wait 18 years to see if crime improves. I mean, give me a break already. What Philly needs is what Nutter seems to be doing: more cops on the street, especially in the bad areas, a more liberal stop n frisk policy to get the 10% bad elements off the street, and more cameras as well to police the badder areas 24/7. Combine that with neighborhood watches and improving neighborhoods/better housing and I think you will see a real turnaround without going as far as saying we need to provide a huge social program for all the poor souls committing crimes...

[Tone509]

I agree with you,orrmobl. The actions you endorse that Nutter intends to take are what I would consider treating the symptoms. But in the long run, we need to address the issues that got us to where we are now. (And yes, I still consider myself part of "us" even though I'm writing this from about 150 miles away. ) I like to think that, say, 8-9% of that 10% bad element would prefer to make an honest living if given the right opportunity and guidance. It may take a generation or so to make that change but no better time to start than the present.

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Guys,
With all due respect, I'm pretty sure the rapists and muggers and drug dealers aren't hungry. I'm liberal but I'm not so liberal as to believe Philly needs to improve the socioeconomic status of its residents and wait 18 years to see if crime improves. I mean, give me a break already. What Philly needs is what Nutter seems to be doing: more cops on the street, especially in the bad areas, a more liberal stop n frisk policy to get the 10% bad elements off the street, and more cameras as well to police the badder areas 24/7. Combine that with neighborhood watches and improving neighborhoods/better housing and I think you will see a real turnaround without going as far as saying we need to provide a huge social program for all the poor souls committing crimes...

[TheRisingSon]

Nah you've got it wrong. Actually MOST of the criminals are hungry. I used to be a criminal and 100% of the crimes I commited were because of living in below poverty. Nutter's initiative is just putting a bandage on a bullet wound, it wont help at all in the long run.