Frustration over increasing crime in Manitoba is at such a high level today that polls show it is the top concern for residents. Unfortunately, along with that strong concern comes the feeling from many that there is little that can be done about the escalating crime, gang violence and the increase of street drugs.
Many people have expressed the frustration that nothing can be done about increasing crime and that it is simply the result of a changing society. Fortunately, there is evidence from other regions that not only does crime not have to be accepted, a long term strategy and dedicated effort can reduce the most violent of crimes.
Last week I had the opportunity to meet with officials from office of the Mayor of Minneapolis. In the mid-1990’s, Minneapolis had the nickname “Murderapolis” as a result of its high murder and violent crime rate. In fact, Minneapolis was quickly becoming one of the most dangerous cities of its size in the United States.
That was more than a decade ago. Today, Minneapolis has become one of the safest cities in the U.S. City officials have been recognized nationally with awards for their strategies to reduce crime. This year, the murder rate in Minneapolis was the lowest it has been in 25 years. In the first 6 months of this year there were 6 murders recorded and none of those involved youth. Over the past 2 years, the violent crime rate has dropped 27 percent in Minneapolis.
Officials in Minneapolis say that the success that they have had in reducing violent crime has been the result of a combined carrot and stick approach. Police were given the resources to crack down on violations of bail and probation orders. There was an increased focus on repeat offenders and police were given the officers needed to increase their presence in the most violent areas of the city.
Minneapolis has also made strategic efforts to reduce the root causes of crime by ensuring that young people have trusted adults in their lives to act as mentors. They have focused on at risk youth and partnered with community organizations to help intervene in the lives of young people who are being lured into gangs.
The combination of enforcement and support has, over the decade, made a huge difference in Minneapolis and has turned around the reputation for violence the city had earned. For Manitobans who are concerned about crime in their province and in its largest city, Winnipeg, the experience of Minneapolis is one that should provide hope. It shows that where government officials make a concerted effort with a real strategy, over time violent crime can be reduced and a sense of safety restored.
