Dan McGrath wrote: The "perceived increase in crime" is the result of AN INCREASE IN CRIME"
Peter Vevang writes: Here is a link to the Minneapolis Crime statistics from the MPD. I haven't heard that these numbers were disputed by anyone.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/police/stats/ucr/index.asp
In January through October 2004, for Part I serious crimes, we had 43 murders (To put the murder statistic in perspective, in 2002 we had 47 murders for the same period, 2001 had 43 murders and 2000 had 50 murders.). Arrests for murder are up 50% over 2003 (33) so far. For other serious crimes, Robbery is up 2%, Aggrevated Assault is up 6%, burglary is up 3%, larceny is down 20%, MVT is down 1%, arson is down 3%. Total serious crimes are down 9% from 2003.
For less serious or Part II crimes, simple assault is down 1%, Vandalism is down 16%, weapons are up 2%, prostitution is up 46%(???), sex offenses are down 5%, narcotics are down 8%, DWI is down 8% and other is down 12%. Total Part II offenses are down 9%.
Overall, I am not sure crime is going up, altough I have noticed that police seem less responsive when called but that is merely anecdotal. Priorities have changed which could mean some statistics are being skewed by higher or lower reporting rates. The 50% increase in murder arrests is a sign that McManus is doing something right. I haven't heard anyone dispute these stats, and am wondering how we can have a 9% drop in overall crime and a crime wave at the same time, I am a bit confused on that point, something doesn't seem to add up.
Shawn Lewis wrote:
"In fact, MPD-perpetrated violence against the African American community appears to be on the increase"
Shawn Lewis quoted: http://www.spokesman-recorder.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=51501&sID=4
Peter Vevang writes: So far most of what I am hearing is anecdotal. I would like to know more about where this information is coming from. My impression was that Chief McManus was making good progress, so I was suprised to read that progress in the wrong direction was actually taking place, I don't know that I should simply accept the crime and abuse assertions without more substantial information. My hope is that it they are incorrect and progress is actually being made.
As far as the crime in the warehouse district. I work there and have often been there on weekends. Most of the trouble seems to be on 1st Avenue after the bars close, mostly minor scuffles, which is typical of bar closings in any major city that has a decent night life. We have a new police precinct that just opened up on 4th Street, with video cameras watching 24 hours a day. I think it has helped a lot. During summer they are usually out in force at every corner. I have never felt unsafe in the warehouse district at any time. I don't want to minimize some of the tragic incidents that have taken place there in the past couple of years, but overall, I think steps have been taken to make things better.
Peter Vevang Holland
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