Providence is the largest and the most populated city in Rhode Island, currently home to more than 177000 inhabitants. Famously referred to as the ‘Creative Capital’ because of the numerous art galleries, museums, and beautiful waterfront parks, this city has much for its residents and tourists. But what does the future hold in store for Providence and its inhabitants as well as the tourists? The following are some detailed findings from the latest crime reports, safety measures, and an evaluation of assorted areas.
Overview of Crime Rates
The FBI has also ranked Providence as above-average in crime rate when compared to national and state averages. The 2021 crime rate in the city was about 6516 per every 100,000 residents — more than twice as high as the national level of around 2,800 for that population size. Although, crime has been relatively on the decline in Providence over time — between 2004 and 2021 the total reported crimes have fallen by a considerable degree of 28%.
Violent Crime in Providence
Although the violent crime rate of Providence is still dropping, in at least one recent year it was greater than average when falling. After all, when 2021 ended, there were thirteen cities with a larger number of violent crimes per every 100 thousand people than Providence; but across the globe as a whole that weighed in at. Aggravated assaults account for a high number of violent crimes. Namely, the number of aggravated assaults has decreased dramatically over the past few years; in fact, it is 40% less compared to 2011 and on comparisons that involve numbers. As a result, the number of violent crimes including murder and rape has also increased from 2015 as we see here in fluctuation. Specifically, the change in the homicide rate has become a more significant worry for the people and authorities of Providence because it has been rising, despite its standing as lower than the rates in the early 2000s.
Property Crime in Providence
In terms of property crimes such as theft, auto theft, and arson, Providence’s crime rate also surpasses that of the national average. In 2021, there were 4,482 property offenses per 100 thousand inhabitants of the city, while nationally, the figure was 2,515. Out of these crimes, theft has been identified as the most common property crime that occurs in Providence today. The incidence of car stealing has also gone up over time, with a 28% increase from 2019 to 2021.
Public Safety Initiatives
To overcome high crime rates, numerous crime fighting and community safety measures have been adopted by Providence. Other traditional policing tactics have also been intensified, more officers have been deployed on foot patrol to enhance the rapport between the police and the citizens especially in the crime-prone zones. Other measures that were adopted include the installation of surveillance cameras throughout the city to prevent the occurrence of offenses. Particularly, the Providence Community-Police Relations Board and the Providence Community Safety Coalition work to improve the quality of services that are provided to the public; the board is involved in violence prevention training and crime victim assistance. However, the current developments have shown that there is still a long way to go in eradicating crime conclusively, according to city leaders.
Safety by Neighborhood
Providence was noted to have a variation in crime rates for different locations within the city. An analysis shows:
Elmhurst and Mount Hope: The areas with the least incidence of violence, the total violent crimes, and overall property crimes. It is still possible to be a victim of larceny, while assaults or robberies are a rarity.
College Hill and Upper South Providence: 13 home to two major universities; in recent years, property crimes have been rampant minus the violence.
Downtown and West End: Less frequent petty crimes but higher robbery and shooting incidences in these central neighborhoods as there is high unemployment and homelessness.
Olneyville, Hartford, and Manton: These neighborhoods include: The East Side, West End, Elmwood, Wanskuck, and South Side, which are known for gang and drug-related activities resulting in high rates of assaults, robberies, burglaries, and the highest murder rates in Providence. People in the community are encouraged to avoid going out late at night alone.
Thus, is Providence, Rhode Island generally a safe place? In recent years the city has tried to reduce crime by selecting specific areas and putting measures in place to prevent crime. Nevertheless, Providence retains higher than average crime rates for violent and property crimes and these are more prevalent in several areas. Being aware of these surroundings, being careful at night, and not going to deserted places will serve as good measures towards preventing one from being insecure. There is no reason for people to feel unsafe in Providence – if one avoids certain areas, it’s easy to be secure whether you’re a resident or a tourist.
If the key stakeholders come together to work towards the safety and liveability of the city, then, continued community policing, neighborhood revitalization, and public safety approaches to violence could achieve tangible objectives in the city.
