Philadelphia is seeing a dramatic rise in its murder rates and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. More than 120 people have been killed in Philadephia since the beginning of the year, an increase from the year before.
This has caused many people to question what is causing this spike and whether or not the police are doing enough to keep citizens safe.
How fast are murder rates rising?
There’s been a meteoric rise in the city’s murder rate since 2014. Back then, the murder rate was 249. By 2017 it had risen to 317. By 2020 it was 499 — a 40% increase from 2019. At the same time, homicide clearance rates have been falling. And 2020 was a low point with just 42% of cases solved.
What’s behind the rising murder rates
There are a number of factors that could be contributing to the rise in murder rates. One is the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has led to an increase in drug-related violence. Another is the city’s gun laws, which are some of the laxest in the country. This makes it easy for people with criminal records to get their hands on firearms, which then leads to more gun violence.
The police department is also facing budget cuts, which has led to a decrease in the number of officers on the streets. This makes it harder for them to respond to crimes and prevent them from happening in the first place.
So what can be done to stop the rise in murder rates?
It’s going to take a concerted effort from both the government and the citizens of Philadelphia to make a dent in these numbers. The first step is to address the underlying causes, such as the opioid epidemic and gun laws. Then, more resources need to be put into the police department so that they can adequately protect the city. Finally, people need to be more engaged in their communities and willing to report crime when they see it.
Why security officers are needed when murder rates rise
Hiring security officers from a company like EPS is essential when murder rates are soaring. Security officers can help to deter crime and make people feel safer in their communities. They can also provide a vital link between the police and the community, which can help to build trust and improve communication.
While security officers alone cannot solve the problem of rising murder rates, they can play an important role in making Philadelphia a safer city for everyone. If you are interested in hiring a security officer (or becoming one yourself) please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your options and help you find the right solution for you.
