Crime in a Changing Society

Before you read the article, listen to what George has to say about crime and violence in Bridgeport

Facts and Statistics

Bridgeport SealBridgeport was a thriving industrial center and port, but for the past 30 years has been struggling with the effects of high unemployment and the associated social changes. The industrial decline seemed to strike harder in Bridgeport. Compared to the American average Bridgeport comes out on the negative side of nearly any statistics. Unemployment by 2010 is 13%, which is more than 3% higher than the average unemployment rate in the US and nearly 5% higher than that of Connecticut. Bridgeport has a crime rate which is nearly double the US average, and the household income is considerably lower than in most other comparable American towns. Despite the increase in violent crimes the total number of law enforcement officers has sunk from 528 to 485 over the last five years. (Statistical data: Bridgeport, Connecticut)
Now, let’s look at some of the everyday reality that lies behind these gloomy figures.

Crime and Location

According to the Bridgeport Police Department, crimes cluster around public housing complexes, and seem to be limited to these fairly small areas. The police point out two main reasons for this localization, one: drug trade, two: fear. The offenders have their own comfort zones where they can cut across a lawn or disappear down an alleyway, if necessary. They don’t risk going to wealthier neighbourhoods like Trumbull or Fairfield, where the residents are more watchful and the police are better funded and therefore more visible on the streets.
When asked why some areas are more crime-ridden than others, James McCabe, former NYPD inspector answers:
It often starts with physical decay, and then low-level social disorder creeps in. Crime often goes hand in hand with social disorder issues, such as poverty, low housing values, and unemployment. The environment has a way of shaping your behaviour. If the neighbourhood conveys a message that no one cares, crime is more likely. In general certain neighbourhoods in this city convey the message that this sort of behaviour is tolerable.

Violence on the Streets

Bridgeport Sign
Fotograf: Jan-Louis Nagel“There was a drive-by shooting here a year ago, and a couple of weeks back just two blocks away a man was gunned to his death. So far this year has seen two stabbings on this street, - but this is not a bad neighbourhood,” says Ed Jackson. “Things are going on in every neighbourhood”, he shrugs.
Ed is a Vietnam veteran. US Marine flags hang from his front porch, and two dogs bark madly from a front window. “I know the neighbourhood has a reputation, but I leave my garage unlocked – and if I want to go for a walk at night, I do so.”
Since the drive-by shooting the police have added more foot patrols to the streets. “Yeah – they’re making an effort,” Ed says, “but they can only do what their budget allows.”
Jake Miller (23) who works at a restaurant in the same street says, “There’s been a lot of untimely deaths”. He estimates that 10 or 11 of his friends and classmates have died before their 25th birthday, some of them murdered. 
“Pretty much all unnecessary”, he sighs. “But you’re safe if you don’t go looking for trouble. As long as I keep to myself and am not trying to buy drugs, they’ve always left me alone”

(Quoted from article on crime Connecticut Post, Sunday, 10 October 2010.)

One of Many

Bridgeport is not unique. Many small and middle-sized American towns have gone through the same transformation. The once busy industrial centres now face a reality that is hard to handle both for the city authorities and citizens. In Bridgeport the closed up factories, shops and businesses tell their tales. The set-back after the financial crisis resulting in many foreclosures has also had its impact on Bridgeport and the social consequences are all too obvious, as this article clearly shows.

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