When you think of the most dangerous places in Texas, big cities like Houston, Dallas, or El Paso might come to mind. However, recent crime statistics reveal that a small town in the Panhandle region has surpassed them all. Borger, a town with about 12,000 residents, is now the third most dangerous city in Texas, following Weslaco and Bellmead.
Why is Borger So Dangerous?
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, Borger had a violent crime rate of 1,288 per 100,000 residents in 2023, which is over three times the state average of 410. Additionally, the property crime rate was 5,367 per 100,000 residents, more than double the state average of 2,343. Since 2020, Borger’s crime rates have significantly increased from 867 and 3,895, respectively.
Factors Behind the Surge in Crime
Several factors contribute to the rising crime rates in Borger:
Economic Decline: Borger’s economy relies heavily on the oil and gas industry, which has suffered due to the global pandemic and the shift to renewable energy. Many workers have lost their jobs or experienced wage cuts, leading to poverty and unemployment.
Drug Trafficking: Situated along Highway 136, which connects Amarillo to Oklahoma and Kansas, Borger is a convenient route for drug smugglers and dealers. This has led to an influx of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, fueling violence and theft in the town.
Lack of Law Enforcement: Borger’s police department is understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to manage the rising crime rates. With only 24 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees, the department struggles to cover the town’s 8.43 square miles. They also lack modern equipment, training, and technology.
Solutions to Improve the Situation
Borger’s crime problem is serious but not insurmountable. Some potential solutions include:
Economic Development: Diversifying Borger’s economy and creating more job opportunities can help reduce poverty and unemployment. This could involve attracting new businesses, investing in education and training, and supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Drug Prevention and Treatment: Addressing drug abuse and addiction is crucial. This could involve increasing access to drug prevention and education programs, providing more resources for treatment and recovery services, and improving coordination among law enforcement, healthcare, and social services.
Law Enforcement Reform: Enhancing the police department’s capacity and performance is vital. This could include hiring more officers, increasing funding for the department, and providing better training and equipment. Building trust between the police and the community is also essential.
Conclusion
Borger is a small town facing big crime challenges, with violent and property crime rates among the highest in Texas. The main factors contributing to this are economic decline, drug trafficking, and inadequate law enforcement. To combat this, Borger needs a comprehensive strategy that includes economic development, drug prevention and treatment, and law enforcement reform. By taking these steps, Borger can become a safer and more prosperous community for its residents and visitors.