According to different studies that assess violent crime rates per capita, Louisiana is frequently regarded as the most dangerous state in America. But which Louisiana town is the very worst? The answer might surprise you.
The Most Dangerous Town In Louisiana
According to a survey by Security Gauge, a crime risk assessment platform, the most dangerous place in Louisiana is Bessemer, a small southwestern suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Yes, you read it correctly. Bessemer is technically in Alabama, but it is considered part of the Louisiana metropolitan region, which extends beyond state lines.
Bessemer topped the list of the 100 most notorious places to live in America, with the highest crime rate of any town with 25,000 or more residents. The report examined data on violent crimes, such as homicide, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, in each town from all 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, and the figures are contextualized per 1,000 people.
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According to the data, Bessemer citizens have a one in thirty probability of becoming victims of violent crime. With a population of approximately 27,000, the suburb has a substantially higher crime rate than comparable towns with a similar demography. It took the top rank for physical violence, property crime, and motor vehicle theft.
How Bessemer Became the Most Notorious Place to Live in the USA
Bessemer has a long history of economic and social issues, which have contributed to its high crime rate. The town was formerly a bustling industrial hub, generating iron and steel for the country. However, as the manufacturing sector declined in the late twentieth century, many citizens became unemployed and impoverished.
Bessemer also experiences racial and political problems because it is primarily African American and has a history of civil rights movement and violence. The community has seen multiple racist incidents, including the 1968 assassination of civil rights leader Rev. James Reeb, the 1979 Ku Klux Klan bombing of a black church, and the 2019 shooting of a black man by a white police officer.
Bessemer has also faced with corruption and inefficiency in its local administration, limiting its ability to provide basic public services and security. Several scandals have erupted involving the town’s mayors, council members, and police commanders, who have been accused of fraud, bribery, extortion, and abuse of authority.
What is Bessemer Doing to Improve its Situation?
Despite its bleak reputation, Bessemer refuses to give up on its future. The municipality has been working to revitalize its economy, infrastructure, and community. Bessemer has attempted several initiatives, including:
Attracting new firms and investments, such as the Amazon fulfillment center, which will open in 2020 and create over 1,500 employees.
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Improving its educational system, such as the Bessemer City Schools, which will get a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Education in 2021 to create a STEM program.
Increasing its cultural and recreational offerings, such as the Bessemer Hall of History, which celebrates the town’s rich history, and the Alabama Splash Adventure, a popular water park and amusement park. Reducing crime rates through initiatives such as the Bessemer Police Department, which has expanded patrols, surveillance, and community engagement, and Bessemer Crime Stoppers, which pays out rewards for reports that lead to arrests.
Summary
In conclusion, Bessemer, geographically in Alabama but considered part of the Louisiana metropolitan zone, has the unnerving distinction of being dubbed the most deadly town in America. High crime rates are the result of a long history of economic collapse, racial conflicts, political concerns, and corruption. However, Bessemer is aggressively pursuing revitalization activities, such as economic development, educational advancements, cultural offerings, and targeted crime reduction projects, displaying a desire to improve its difficult condition.