When people think of violent crime in the United States, they may envision major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore. But, according to the most recent FBI data, Tennessee’s most dangerous town is neither Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville. Ridgely is a tiny hamlet of less than 3,000 inhabitants located in the state’s northwest portion.
Why is Ridgely So Violent?
Ridgely is a town in Lake County, Tennessee, with a population of 2,912 as of 2020. It has a violent crime rate of 2,566 per 100,000 inhabitants, more than ten times higher than the national average of 250 per 100,000. This indicates that in 2020, one out of every 39 Ridgely inhabitants was the victim of a violent crime, such as murder, rape, robbery, or assault.
The causes of Ridgely’s high crime rate are unknown, however, some potential variables include:
Poverty: Ridgely’s poverty rate is 35.7%, more than double the state average of 15.3%. Poverty is frequently connected to crime because it causes stress, despair, and a lack of options for individuals.
Drugs: Ridgely lies between the Kentucky and Missouri borders, which are key suppliers of illegal narcotics including methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Drug trafficking and addiction may exacerbate violence as traffickers and users vie for territory, money, and supplies.
Gangs: Ridgely is home to various gangs, including the Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, and Crips. Gangs are engaged in a variety of illegal activities, including drug trade, extortion, robbery, and murder. Gangs have rivalries and disagreements with one another, which can lead to shootings and homicides.
Police: Ridgely has a tiny and understaffed police department, with only six officers serving the entire town. This means that the police have limited resources and capabilities to prevent, respond to, and investigate crimes. It also implies that citizens lack faith and confidence in the police, which may limit their readiness to collaborate and report crimes.
How Does Ridgely Compare to Other Communities in Tennessee?
Ridgely is not the only town in Tennessee with a high crime rate. According to FBI data, there are ten additional communities in the state with violent crime rates of more than 1,000 per 100,000 residents. Below are the top five most dangerous towns in Tennessee, along with their population and crime rates:
As you can see, the majority of these communities are tiny and rural, with populations under 10,000. This defies the widely held belief that crime is more prevalent in metropolitan settings. In reality, several research show that rural regions have greater rates of violent crime than metropolitan areas, including rape and domestic violence.
| Town | Population |
Violent Crime Rate
|
| Ridgely | 2,912 | 2,566 |
| Bolivar | 5,066 | 1,760 |
| Ripley | 8,109 | 1,736 |
| Covington | 8,870 | 1,652 |
| Brownsville | 9,592 | 1,620 |
What Can Be Done to Lessen the Violence in Ridgely?
Reducing violence in Ridgely is a difficult endeavor since it entails tackling the root causes of crime, which include social, economic, and cultural aspects. However, some potential options include:
Increasing economic opportunities: By providing more employment, education, and training to Ridgely inhabitants, they may escape poverty and improve their quality of life. This can also minimize their engagement in illicit activities while increasing their sense of communal responsibility.
Improving drug prevention and treatment: Lowering the supply and demand for drugs in Ridgely can help reduce the violence connected with drug trafficking and addiction. This can be accomplished by boosting drug enforcement and prosecution, as well as offering more access and help to drug users seeking to quit or rehabilitate.
Strengthening community policing: Improving the police-community interaction and collaboration can help to improve Ridgely’s safety and security. This may be accomplished by expanding the number and variety of police personnel, as well as including the community in crime prevention and problem-solving activities.
Supporting victims and witnesses: Providing additional aid and safety to victims and witnesses of violent crime can help them heal and recover from their trauma. This can also inspire people to disclose and testify against the criminals, increasing accountability and deterring crime.
Final Words
Finally, Ridgely, Tennessee, emerges as an unexpected focus point for violent crime, defying prevailing assumptions about crime predominance in small towns. The community has a complicated web of obstacles that stem from variables such as poverty, drug-related concerns, and gang activity.
To encourage long-term change and improve Ridgely’s safety landscape, addressing these challenges requires a holistic strategy that includes economic possibilities, improved drug prevention, stronger law enforcement, and community participation.