When it comes to high crime cities, Stocktonis usually one that first comes to mind. This reputation came about after eight homicides occurred within 72 hours. As of October 23rd of this year, it brought a total of 59 homicides. According to www.recordnet.com,Stockton is the second most dangerous city inCalifornia, right behindOakland.
Junior Noah Daly went toStocktonfor basketball tournaments and wasn’t too pleased with the environment. “It was kinda sketch because we saw a lot of people just chillin’ who didn’t look like the nicest people, and my parents were just a bit protective because of the reputation,” he said.
In addition, sophomore Brea Wallace was skeptical when she went there because she felt the need to be conscious of everything, everywhere she went.
“I didn’t know where the bad parts of the city were and what to expect,” said Wallace.
While some believe the city is dangerous, some people think otherwise.
“I’ve been going toStocktonfor softball tournaments since I was little. I don’t even think about it anymore,” explained freshmen Kaitlyn Rubio.
Some people don’t even feel safe living in Stockton. This year, there have been approximately 4,370 violent crimes committed. For example, according to www.cityrating.com, 78 forcible rapes have occurred. That’s too many no matter what the population of a city is.
According to the Huffington Post, assaults on police officers have doubled. Budget deficits that have occurred over the course of many years have decreased the police department by 25 percent.Stocktonis in danger of this continuing to happen. If the city loses more and more of its police officers, the crime rates could steadily increase over the coming years.
Furthermore, property crimes inStocktonare also high, especially compared to other cities such asAuburn. Also according to www.cityrating.com, the number of assaults the occurred inStocktonthis year are 2,640. If crime rates were as high inAuburnas they are inStockton, there would have been about 248 assaults inAuburn. InStockton, there have been 2,034 motor vehicle thefts this year. That would be like 191 of these happening inAuburn.
If the crime rate continues to increase, the city ofStocktonwill be forced to come up with a solution to the growing problem.