One result of the current crime crackdown is more
arrest. It seems logical; more arrests should result in less
crime. CCM Samuel's and others have asked for this action; State
Troopers have arrived in Jordan. But are more arrests effective?
In 2002, Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) arrested 55,719 people
for a variety of crimes from jaywalking to murder. Of that number 4,065
arrests were for Part 1 Crimes (Murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,
burglary, larceny, auto theft and arson). Of the above total yearly number,
3,733 persons were arrested for narcotic offenses and 696 persons were
arrested for weapons violations. Arrests number for 2003 are trending
slightly lower. Even so, with nearly 50,000 people projected to be arrested this
year, is the city safer?
Crime statistics would certainly indicate
so. During a three-year stint from 1995 to 1997, gang and drug activity
peaked in Minneapolis. Total Part 1 crimes were on the average 37% greater
than today. Violent crime (murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery) has
seen a 34% decrease. Yearly arrest numbers have remained virtual constant.
Currently there is an 8.4% increase citywide violent crimes as compared to last
year however, these numbers are still historical lower than 1995-1997 ** CODEFOR
and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics.
The fact is that the
police department is and does a consistent job in arresting criminals.
What is the outcome of these arrests?
Very few criminals go
to prison. The reason; Minnesota is a diversion state. Many
criminals are treated and/or diverted to community based justice programs.
Prison is reserved for the most violent criminals. The current prison
population is approximately 6,600 inmates, or 132 incarcerated prisoners per
100,000 Minnesotan residents. Wisconsin is a state with roughly a similar
population, economy, and ethic make-up and crime problems. Yet they
incarcerate nearly 3.25 as many prisoners than Minnesota.
In Wisconsin, they jail 21,553 persons (383 inmates to every 100,000
people). Perhaps one of the consequences of being a diversion state
is reflected in the violent crimes per 100,000 residents. In Minnesota there are 280.8 violent
crimes per 100,000 persons. In
Wisconsin, there are 236.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.** 2000
data.
The facts would indicate a justification for more arrests,
more cops and more prisons. Yet statistics, no matter how inviting, rarely
tell the whole story. Cops, courts, and jail are not the only way to get at the
root cause of crimes. They are short-term solutions to long-term
problems.
This
summer will past and violent crime in Minneapolis will drop-off. It always
has. Certainly 12 State Troopers will help, but what about next year and the
year after?
It's hope & justice with homes & jobs that will
resolve our crime problem. When our leaders focus on these solutions we
will see real progress. Until then, the current effort is long on style, but
short on substance.Gregory W. Reinhardt
Excelsior,
MN
