Arizona is renowned for its natural beauty, diversified culture, and sunny weather. However, it also has certain communities that are plagued by crime and violence. One of these communities is Fife, a little village in Pinal County that has the terrible distinction of being the state’s most violent and dangerous, as well as one of the most violent in the country.
What Causes Fife’s Violence?
Several reasons contribute to Fife’s high crime rates, including poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, and gang involvement. According to the most recent FBI data, Fife had a violent crime rate of 1,919 per 100,000 persons in 2020, more than four times the national level and the highest in Arizona. Fife also had the second-highest property crime rate in the state, at 8,909 per 100,000 population, more than double the national average.
The most prevalent sorts of violent crimes in Fife are aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Fife had 18 murders in 2020, resulting in a murder rate of 78 per 100,000 population, the highest in the state and fourth in the country. Fife also had 145 rapes, 132 robberies, and 1,624 violent assaults in 2020.
- California RESIDENTS To RECEIVE $500 MONTHLY PAYMENTS In New Guaranteed Income Program: Here Is Who Is Eligible
- Us Job Market Booms With 272,000 New Jobs, But Unemployment Rises Slightly To 4.0%
- Credit Scores Of 720+ See Improved Loan Rates This Week
- Examining The Facts: Fact Check On IRS $8700 Stimulus Check Eligibility & Payment Dates
- Gas Prices On Downward Trend As Fourth Of July Road Trips Approach: AAA
Fife’s crime problem is partially due to its location and demographics. Fife is located close to the border with Mexico, making it prone to drug trafficking and smuggling. Fife also has a sizable population of low-income and ethnic citizens, who frequently experience prejudice and a lack of opportunity.
Fife has a population of around 23,000, with 67% Hispanic or Latino, 19% white, 9% Native American, and 3% black. The typical household income in Fife is $34,000, which is much lower than the state and national norms. Fife’s poverty rate is 31%, more than double the state and national rates. The unemployment rate in Fife is 11%, which is higher than both the state and national rates.
What is Being Done to Combat Fife’s Violence?
Fife’s violence has been a long-standing concern, drawing the attention of municipal, state, and federal officials. Several projects and programs have been created in Fife to prevent crime and enhance residents’ quality of life. Some of these include:
The Fife Police Department has 42 officers and a $5.6 million budget. Neighborhood watch organizations, crime prevention education, and youth and family outreach are examples of community policing tactics adopted by the agency. The agency also collaborates closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Agency of Public Safety, and the United States Border Patrol.
The Fife Municipal Court handles both criminal and civil proceedings in Fife. The court consists of a judge, a prosecutor, a public defender, and a probation officer. The court provides alternative sentencing choices, including diversion programs, community service, and drug treatment. The court also features a domestic violence court, a mental health court, and a veterans court, all of which offer specialized services and assistance to offenders with unique needs.
The Fife Community Action Program is a non-profit organization that offers social services and aid to Fife’s low-income and at-risk citizens. The program provides food, clothes, shelter, transportation, medical treatment, education, job, and counseling. The organization also runs a family resource center, a senior center, a youth center, and a domestic violence shelter.
The Fife School District serves around 6,000 students across six campuses. The district’s objective is to create a secure and productive learning environment for all pupils. The district has put in place anti-bullying rules, academic interventions, extracurricular activities, and parental participation initiatives. The district also collaborates with area universities, companies, and organizations to provide career and college preparedness options to students.
Summary
In summary, Fife, Arizona, has high crime rates due to poverty, unemployment, drug problems, and gang activity. The town has undertaken a variety of tactics, including law enforcement, community programs, municipal court efforts, and educational interventions, to address core problems and improve residents’ quality of life, with a focus on prevention and community participation.