ARE THERE STILL DANGEROUS NEIGHBORHOODS IN CLEVELAND?

 ARE THERE STILL DANGEROUS NEIGHBORHOODS IN CLEVELAND?

Are there still dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland?

Cleveland once had a high crime rate and was even one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. But since 2015, the city has implemented a decree with the US Department of Justice to strengthen security. The results are there: crime is decreasing every year. But are there still dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland?

dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland

Crime is falling

Violent and property crimes in Cleveland fell across the board in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to Cleveland police statistics.

Property crimes such as burglaries and thefts decreased 23% from 2017 and about 30% from 2016. Violent crimes were 18.6% lower in 2018 than in 2016 and about 15.3% below the 2017 level.

The figures indicate a decline in Part I offenses—homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. In fact, Cleveland now has a crime rate below the national average.

Cleveland crime down

Read also: The revival of Cleveland's East Side

A continuing struggle to protect Cleveland's neighborhoods

The police department tallied the numbers in preparation for an upcoming meeting with the Cleveland City Council's safety committee. Police Chief Calvin Williams attributed the declines to three factors:

More officers on the street and better enforcement.

Higher levels of agent engagement, leading to better relationships with residents.

Expanded youth programs and the placement of counselors in recreation centers to address trauma and stress that can affect behavior and lead to crime.

The decline is also due to Cleveland entering into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015, agreeing to reform law enforcement in the city, including implementing new policies on the use of force and crisis intervention.

The agreement also addresses improvements to community policing, staffing and recruitment, and an effectiveness review of the Office of Professional Standards, which investigates citizen complaints against officers.

“We always try to reach out to neighborhood residents for their help as we try to reduce crime,” Williams said. “Sometimes residents provide a key detail that helps solve a case.”

Are there still dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland?

Even though crime is down, there are some areas where you have to be careful, especially at night. This applies to every city in the United States and beyond. In Cleveland, most places are safe. While there are some areas where you have to be more careful, like Bedford Heights, you should know that even there, the "bad" places are on the side streets. However, this isn't the 80s or 90s anymore. There are no gang wars on the streets. Overall, Cleveland is incredibly safe, clean, and full of things to do.

Additionally, following a conference on December 18, 2019, U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced that Cleveland is one of seven cities that will share $71 million to continue ensuring the city's safety. This money will be used to hire new officers, purchase equipment, and pay salaries and overtime. This is good news for residents and for Police Chief Calvin Williams, as it will help his team continue its fight to keep the city safe.