Minnesota is known for its beautiful scenery, nice people, and forward-thinking society. But not every city in the state is a good spot to live. The latest crime statistics from the FBI show that one place in Minnesota is one of the “crime capitals” of the whole country. Waite Park is that place. It’s a small suburb of St. Cloud, and about 7,500 people live there.
How Waite Park Became the Most Dangerous City in Minnesota
Waite Park has been a center for business and fun in the St. Cloud area for a long time. There are many shops, bars, hotels, and tourist spots in the city, like the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, the Crossroads Center Mall, and the Stearns History Museum. But Waite Park has also become a place where crime and violence happen a lot these days.
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report for 2020 says that there were 1,507 violent crimes for every 100,000 people living in Waite Park. This is more than four times the national average of 367 violent crimes for every 100,000 people. The rate of property crime in Waite Park was 18,446 per 100,000 people, which was more than twice the national rate of 2,110 per 100,000 people. On this list, Waite Park was named the third most dangerous city in the United States and the most dangerous city in Minnesota.
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Aggravated attack, robbery, rape, and murder were the most common violent acts in Waite Park. Break-ins, theft, and car theft were the top types of property crimes that happened in Waite Park. The high crime rate in Waite Park was caused by things like poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and not having enough police officers.
How Waite Park is Working to Make Life Safer and Better for Everyone
The city of Waite Park knows it has a crime problem and is doing something about it. The city has started some projects and efforts to stop and lessen crime, such as
- Making the city safer by adding more police officers and patrol cars
- Putting up more lights and security cams in public places
- Working together with area companies and community groups to raise awareness and help stop crime
- Giving people with low incomes and those who are at risk more social services and resources
- Improving the city’s chances for tourists and economic growth
Plus, the city of Waite Park works with state and federal officials to fight drug crime and gang attacks that happen in the area. The city has been a part of some joint operations and task teams that have caught and prosecuted criminals and seized drugs and weapons that are illegal.
Conclusion
Even though Waite Park, Minnesota, has beautiful scenery, it is the most dangerous place in the state when it comes to crime. Cities have taken steps to deal with the high number of violent and property crimes that are caused by things like poverty and drug abuse. To deal with the causes of crime, these include more cops, better protection, working together as a group, and social services. People in Waite Park are working hard to make the area safer, boost the economy, and stop crime.