Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes. However, it also has its share of crime and violence, especially in some of its towns and cities. One of them is McKees Rocks, a small town near Pittsburgh that has been ranked as the most violent town in the state.
What is McKees Rocks and why is it so violent?
McKees Rocks is a town of about 6,000 people located in Allegheny County, about 10 miles west of Pittsburgh. It is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and has a history of being a coal mining and industrial community. However, in recent decades, it has suffered from economic decline, poverty, unemployment, and social problems. These factors have contributed to its high crime rate, which is more than six times the national average.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, McKees Rocks experienced 100 violent crimes in 2018, which translates to a violent crime rate of 1,667 per 100,000 people. This is the highest among all the towns and cities in Pennsylvania that reported their crime data to the FBI. The violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. McKees Rocks also had a high property crime rate of 4,167 per 100,000 people, which includes burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
Some of the reasons for the high crime rate in McKees Rocks are the lack of economic opportunities, the presence of gangs and drugs, the low educational attainment, and the weak law enforcement. The town has a median household income of only $28,000, which is less than half of the state average. The poverty rate is 35%, which is more than double the state average. The high school graduation rate is only 77%, which is below the state average of 86%. The town has a police force of only 12 officers, which is insufficient to patrol and protect the area.
What are the consequences and solutions for the violence in McKees Rocks?
The violence in McKees Rocks has a negative impact on the quality of life, the safety, and the reputation of the town and its residents. It also discourages potential investors, businesses, and visitors from coming to the area, which further hampers its economic development and growth. The town has been labeled as a “dangerous place” and a “war zone” by some media outlets and outsiders.
However, not all hope is lost for McKees Rocks. There are some initiatives and efforts to reduce the crime and violence and to revitalize the town. For example, the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation (MRCDC) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of the town.
It has launched several projects, such as the Roxian Theatre, the Sto-Rox Library, and the Father Ryan Arts Center, to provide cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for the residents. The MRCDC also partners with other organizations, such as the Allegheny County Police, the Allegheny County District Attorney, and the Allegheny County Housing Authority, to address the crime and safety issues in the town.
Another example is the McKees Rocks Police Department, which has been trying to enhance its capacity and effectiveness in fighting crime and violence. It has received grants and donations to upgrade its equipment, vehicles, and technology. It has also increased its collaboration and communication with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, and the DEA, to combat the gangs and drugs in the area. The police department also engages with the community and the youth, through programs such as the Police Athletic League, the DARE program, and the Citizens Police Academy, to build trust and rapport and to prevent crime.
Conclusion
McKees Rocks is a town in Pennsylvania that has a high crime and violence rate, which makes it the most violent town in the state. The town faces many challenges and difficulties, such as economic decline, poverty, unemployment, and social problems, which contribute to its crime problem. However, there are also some positive signs and efforts to improve the situation and to transform the town into a safer and better place. The town needs more support and resources from the state and federal governments, as well as from the private and nonprofit sectors, to achieve its goals and potential. McKees Rocks is a town that deserves a chance and a change.