Factors Contributing to the Increase in Crimes in Philadelphia

This essay examines the alarming rise in crime, particularly homicides, in Philadelphia. It delves into the city's crime statistics, revealing a significant increase in violent crimes and gun assaults. The essay compares Philadelphia's homicide rates to those of other major US cities like New York and Houston, highlighting that despite a smaller population, Philadelphia experiences a disproportionately high number of homicide cases. The core argument focuses on economic disparity and racism as primary drivers of the escalating crime rates, citing that poverty and racial segregation disproportionately impact Afro-American communities, contributing to the high incidence of violent crimes. The author supports these claims with statistical data and research findings, emphasizing the need for policy interventions addressing economic inequality and social isolation to combat the rising crime levels in Philadelphia. The essay concludes by advocating for policy and administrative bodies to focus on these issues as a remedy to end crimes in Philadelphia.

Running Head: CRIMES IN PHILADELPHIA
CRIMES IN PHILADELPHIA
Name of the Student:
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Author Note:

1CRIMES IN PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia is one of the infamous cities of the United States for its repetitive and
increasing rate of homicides. The increase of the homicide cases is escalating at a rapid pace,
with an average 34% growth. This essay is going to figure out the factors behind such an
alarming increase rate and the statistics of crimes in Philadelphia.
According to the Police statistics in Philadelphia, the violent crimes in the city were
jumped 11% in 2018 and the gun assault rate is the most common crime in the city with an
increase of 5% every year (Phillypolice.com, 2020). It is a very alarming threat to the
neighborhood and the police try to control its homicide rates like other major cities of United
States like New York. A comparison has been made by Palmer (2018) where it states that in the
year 2018, there were a total of 351 violent homicide cases in Philadelphia where the total
number of population was 1.6 million. In comparison to big cities like New York, where the
homicide rate was 17% less, with 289 homicide cases with a total number of people of 8.5
million. Similarly, in Houston, out of the 2.3 million population, 279 were victims of homicide
(Phillypolice.com, 2020). It is a very alarming and disturbing statistic where it can be derived
that despite of having less population in compare to New York and Houston, the homicide cases
in Philly are still spiked every year. Even in Chicago, one of the notorious cities of US with a
violent and bloodshed history of Mafia, the number of murders were decreased from 661 in 2017
to 560 in 2018 (Ellison, 2019). However, in case of Philly the numbers are not going down. It
escalates day by day and sometimes goes beyond the control of law and order.
Therefore, it is important to understand the real story behind such violent and disturbing
rates of homicides in Philadelphia. As per the research of McCrone (2020), economic disparity is
the most common cause of homicides and shootings in Philadelphia. In support of this statement,
the research showed that Philadelphia is the poorest among the 10 big US cities. Specific regions

2CRIMES IN PHILADELPHIA
like North Philadelphia, Fairhill and Kensington are succumbed into violence and murders. In
addition to this, Ellison (2019) revealed a fascinating fact that linked racism with the violent
crimes in Philadelphia. The city has a highly disproportionate impact on the Afro-American
communities which are very poor and distressed. Almost 80% of the homicide cases are done by
the Afro-American males. In support of this fact, Palmer (2018) ran a city-wise experiment and
found that in the big cities, the decreasing curve of homicide cases are happened due to the equal
economic power and no such segregation on the line of racism. It is perhaps anguish and fear that
backfired in the form of an increasing rate of violent crimes in Philly.
Therefore, it can be stated that economic inequality and the social isolation and racism
are considered to be the major driving factors responsible for rapid spikes on homicide cases.
The policy and administrative body must put a focus on those issues as a remedy to end crimes in
Philadelphia.

3CRIMES IN PHILADELPHIA
Reference
Ellison, C. (2019). Reality Check: Philly Has a Violence Problem - The Philadelphia Citizen.
Retrieved 8 April 2020, from https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/reality-check-philly-has-
a-violence-problem/
McCrone, B. (2020). Property and Violent Crime Significantly Higher in Philadelphia in 2020.
Retrieved 8 April 2020, from https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/property-and-
violent-crime-significantly-higher-in-philadelphia-in-2020/2337678/
Palmer, C. (2019). Philadelphia had more shootings in 2019 and murders stayed high. Retrieved
8 April 2020, from https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-crime-levels-2019-
shootings-homicides-police-20191230.html
Phillypolice.com. (2020). Crime Maps & Stats | Philadelphia Police Department. Retrieved 8
April 2020, from https://www.phillypolice.com/crime-maps-stats/