The Fight for a Safer City: Rising Crime Rate Instils Fear in Poughkeepsie Residents
In recent months, the city had been plagued by a spike in gun-related violence, with several shootings occurring during the months of August and September.
Crime has spiked throughout the United States, with the crime rate seeing an almost 30% increase from 2019 to 2020. The city of Poughkeepsie has not been exempt from this spike as the city currently sits at a crime rate of 2532.8 total crimes for every 100,000 people. This is almost 8% higher than the national average and 42.74% higher than the crime rate in New York City.
Residents themselves felt that they needed to adopt a higher modicum of care when in the area. A Poughkeepsie local Alicia S. felt the issue of gun violence had become much more pressing due to her concern over the safety of her children: “depending on the street I would not let my kids out of my sight.” The mother of 3 young children specifically pointed out Main Street as the lifeline of crime in the area, mentioning that she did not even feel safe on that road with her children even if the car doors were locked. This comment aligned with the past events of the summer as 3 separate shootings occurred at Main Street from the months of June to September.
Many residents however felt that the majority of the crime throughout the city could be avoided provided that the proper precautionary measures were taken prior to venturing out into the city streets. 15-year resident Sol Rodriguez stated that she believed that the area had become better in regard to crime over the years. Rodriguez stated that she believes that if those who are in charge of children maintain vigilance and ensure that their children have proper supervision then they will be perfectly safe.
The spike in crime has been met by a revitalized police response throughout the city. A combined outcry from Council Member Yvonne Flowers and residents has resulted in a partnership with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police in an attempt to increase patrols and overall police presence throughout the Poughkeepsie area. “The city of Poughkeepsie has been experiencing a level of gun violence that we have not seen in decades,” said Police Chief Thomas Pape in response to the August shootings.
Government officials and the residents of Poughkeepsie are doing everything in their power in order to to improve the city and help keep crime to a minimum is felt strongly throughout the community. A common theme from the majority of those who were interviewed was that they felt that the Poughkeepsie area was a good and safe place to live and to raise children. Given their drive to improve and better their community in conjunction with the new partnership between the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, there is a high likelihood that the crime rate will begin to go down in the city of Poughkeepsie.
