Texas has a rich cultural past and a diverse population, but it also has among of the worst rates of crime in the country. While violence, theft, and murder are commonplace in some Texas cities, others are quite calm and tranquil. Among all, one city stands out as the most hazardous of them all: Bellmead.
Why Is Bellmead Such a Dangerous Place
In McLennan County, Bellmead is a small city home to roughly 10,000 residents. Its name translates to “beautiful autumn valley” in French, and it is a part of the Waco metropolitan region. But Bellmead’s crime rate—which has earned the terrible reputation of being one of the 30 most dangerous places in the country—is anything but attractive.
Bellmead had a violent crime rate of 12.79 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 61.96 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI’s 2018 crime report. Accordingly, Bellmead inhabitants had a 1 in 78 risk of becoming victims of murder, rape, robbery, or assault, and a 1 in 4 chance of becoming victims of theft or arson. Bellmead tops the list of the most hazardous cities in Texas because of these rates, which are much higher than the state and national averages.
Bellmead has a high crime rate due to a number of variables, including gang involvement, drug misuse, unemployment, poverty, and a dearth of law enforcement resources. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Bellmead’s median household income for 2019 was $35,833, which is less than the state average of $61,874. Compared to the state average of 13.7%, the poverty rate was greater at 23.4%. Compared to the state average of 4.5%, the unemployment rate was higher at 6.2%. These financial difficulties foster a climate that is conducive to crime and violence.
The existence of gangs like the Tangos and the Aryan Circle, among others, is another element that contributes to crime in Bellmead. These gangs engage in a variety of illicit operations, including the smuggling of weapons, the trafficking of drugs, extortion, and murder. They frequently fight over territory, wealth, and power, which leads to bombs, stabbings, and shootings. Because to Bellmead’s extreme gang problem, the Texas Department of Public Safety has classified the neighborhood as a “gang threat area” since 2010.
Another element contributing to Bellmead’s danger is the insufficiency of law enforcement resources. With only 22 officers, the Bellmead Police Department is unable to adequately monitor the community and handle the large volume of calls it receives. In addition, the department deals with low morale, equipment shortages, and budgetary restrictions. The agency is “overwhelmed” and “understaffed,” according to police chief Lydia Alvarado, who has acknowledged that the county, the state, and the federal government need to provide more assistance.
What Steps Can Be Taken To Make Things Better
There are steps being taken to enhance the safety and standard of living of Bellmead residents, so the situation is not hopeless. Among these initiatives are:
The Bellmead Police Department has adopted a technique known as “community policing,” which include fostering relationships of trust and collaboration with locals, participating in problem-solving activities, and offering information on crime prevention. The department also conducts activities, such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, and Citizens Police Academy, to develop healthy relationships with the community.
Crime Stoppers: A nonprofit organization based in Bellmead, California, Crime Stoppers provides prizes for anonymous reports that result in the arrest and conviction of criminals. The group also raises awareness and funding for crime prevention and victim support programs. 254-753-HELP is the Crime Stoppers hotline number.
Community watch: To monitor and report suspicious activity, prevent crime, and improve community security, the Bellmead Neighborhood Watch is a volunteer organization that collaborates with the police. In order to encourage community awareness and involvement, the group also hosts social events, workshops, and meetings.
Youth programs: The Bellmead Youth Program is a partnership between the city, the police, and the local schools, that provides recreational, educational, and mentorship activities for the youth. The program seeks to prevent drug misuse, gang involvement, and juvenile criminality while also helping young people acquire positive values and life skills.
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In Summary
Because of its high rates of violent and property crime, Bellmead is the most hazardous city in Texas and among the most dangerous in the nation. Numerous issues the city deals with, including drug misuse, gang activity, poverty, unemployment, and a shortage of law enforcement resources, all contribute to the crime problem. But there are also initiatives aimed at improving the situation, like neighborhood watch, crime stoppers, community policing, and youth programs, which enlist the help and involvement of locals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. Although Bellmead may not be a secure location to visit or reside at the moment, things could change for the better there in the future.