Richmond's murder rate down 50% in 2010, so far down 80% in 2011 (San Jose: city hall, neighborhoods)

[18Montclair]

Just saw this on Channel 2.

Why is Richmond's rate plunging whilst SF, Oakland and San Jose are seeing alarming spikes so far this year?

Well the news story by John Sasaki points to heavy involvement by community leaders, churches and leadership by city hall.

I expected as much. Its not totally the police's responsibility to look after neighborhoods. I guess when the community actually gets proactive, it makes a world of difference.

[04kL4nD]

It's a little early in the year to be either patting Richmond on the back for having a few less homicides, OR freaking out that SJ/SF/OAK have had a couple more during the same chunk of time as last year...

[mayorhaggar]

we're all gunna die...i read about it on a site called City Data...game over man, game over!

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

It's a little early in the year to be either patting Richmond on the back for having a few less homicides, OR freaking out that SJ/SF/OAK have had a couple more during the same chunk of time as last year...

Well I might buy the theory that its a fluke in the case of Richmond except for the huge decrease for the entire year. For a city like Richmond's murder rate to plunge 50%+ in 2010 is no small matter.

And then the decrease has accelerated in 2011.

Obviously they probably shouldnt start popping the champagne just yet and there are other factors to consider, but based on what I saw on the news story, its apparent that the increased community involvement has made all the difference.

I see that Mayor Quan is trying to organize the community to do the same thing in Oakland and I hope it works.

[04kL4nD]

Don't get me wrong. I think it's great that homicides are down in Richmond, and it's worrisome that they are up in other places. I just think it's silly to talk about yearly homicide rates when less than two months of 2011 have gone by.