Crime Statistics in America Over

Crime Statistics in America

Over the last several years Clark Country, Nevada has been through a tremendous amount of highs and lows. With the principal city (Las Vegas), experiencing massive boom and bust cycles. As far as crime is concerned, the underlying amounts of volatility and the lingering effects of recession have caused these statistics to vary. To understand these effects requires examining: the current statistics, the underlying amounts of growth / declines that are occurring and what crimes are most significant. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights as to how various economic forces have been impacting crime statistics.

Current Crime Statistics

Clark Country has been experiencing a divergence in crime statistics. Where, certain categories are higher, while others are lower. A good example of this can be seen by comparing the statistics with between select violent crimes (such as murders and rapes) with property / other related crimes (i.e. robbery / aggravated assault). According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, from January to December 2008 the number of murders declined by 9%, while forceable rapes declined by 7%. During the same time, burglary increased by 12% and aggravated assault increased by 1%. However, when you look at the overall crime rate for Clark Country it declined by 12%. This is significant, because the various statistics are showing a divergence that is occurring in the crime rate, as the year over year numbers are down, while select areas are up. ("Annual Report," 2009)

The Amount of Growth or Declines that are Occurring

When you look at the year over year statistics for Clark County, it appears as if the area is seeing a sharp decline in the overall levels of crime. However, if you look at these statistics over a period of many years, it is obvious that crime is becoming more of an issue. Evidence of this can be seen, by the examining the number of crimes committed against people, as this would increase by 11% (between 2004 and 2009). At the same time, aggravated assault would increase by 21%, while robberies would remain at 0%. Yet, in other categories, the trends have been declining between 2004 and 2009. A good example of this can be seen with: murders down 29% and auto thefts down 54%. What this confirms, is the divergence that is occurring in the various crime statistics that are being reported. ("Annual Report," 2009)

What Crimes are Most Significant

The crimes that are most significant are: burglary, robbery and assault. This is problematic, because of the increases in the number of victims and the overall nature of these crimes, which can cause some people to feel less secure. Where, you will have the police citing one set of statistics, while the citizens feel as if the underlying levels of crime are eating away at their quality of life. A good example of this can be seen with comments from Lt. Tom Monahan of Las Vegas Metro Homicide. With him saying, "When you compare the homicide rates with one another, they have remained largely the same over the last five years." (T. Monahan, personal communication, September 7, 2010) Yet, when you consider the facts: that an increasing number of residents are moving to Las Vegas and the recession is making some people more desperate, it is understandable that select individuals have become nervous about the crime rate. As they feel that these various crimes (burglary, robbery and assault) are detracting from the overall quality of life in the community. Once this takes place, it will cause some people to want to leave the area, because of these issues.