Violence in Philadelphia - Research Paper Example

Shari Booker Violence in Philadelphia English 102 15th December Outline: The report contains the reports of the crimes practiced in the region.Philadelphia has received the 9th position of crime index due to the rampant nature of crimes. Most common of these crimes are the homicide and property-related illegal activities; however, drugs, illegal possession of weapons, automobile theft, and unnecessary murders are also occurring with similar frequency. The underlying reasons for these have been recognized as lack of education, lack of proper law enforcement, shortage of police officials, inadequate distribution of funds, easy access and trade of weapons and immense drugging activities. The society is headed for ethical and societal deterioration due to such criminal activities and lawlessness. Several organizations and centers have come into action to improve the conditions of the city by improving the morale and anger-management in the youth. These intend to improve the upcoming generations and simultaneously control the violence in Philadelphia. Apart from this, numerous pointers have also been identified by the local residents of Philadelphia through a community forum. These include law enforcement and severe penalties for those in defiance of the law. It also encourages the parental involvement in children’s lives in order to exercise control over them. Some have recognized the publicity of horrors the families of the unfortunate victims go through in order to make them realize the extent of these activities. An opinion has also arrived about controlling unwanted pregnancies by teenagers. The unwanted children have also become a factor of breeding hatred in the generations. Lastly, despite such negativity, it should not be forgotten that Philadelphia is indeed a beautiful tourist spot worth seeing and experiencing. Violence in Philadelphia: Philadelphia is a one of the largest and most populous cities of Northeastern United States, lying in the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania. It was once the capital of United States before the capital was shifted to Washington. Philadelphia is said to be enriched with cultural and traditional background, historical occurrences and symbolism. Philadelphia is known by other names as well like “Philly” and “City of Brotherly Love”. According to a source, “(Philadelphia) is the sixth most populous city in the US, fifth largest city area by population in the US, and the US’s fourth largest consumer media market” (Pennsylvania). It is believed that 1.5 million people reside in the city alone. Philadelphia has contributed immensely to the American history, serving as the grounds for American Revolution and American Independence efforts initiated by Benjamin Franklin back in the 18th century. It was once the geographic center for the thirteen American colonies. Hence Philadelphia has a rich historical background, loaded with culture, education and economic competency. Philadelphia is exclusively blessed in cases of heritage, education and business. Due to its strategic location and its historical use for revolutionary assembling, it reveals a rich and exotic heritage. The presence of technical colleges and study centers provide students with excellent learning and academic opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is known to be the most business-friendly city of the US. Tourism has recently sprung to light after the development of tourist attractions like series of hotels and preserved landmarks. However, the biggest drawback of this city of wonders is the presence of high violence activities in the city. Along with the bright elements found in the city is the presence of darker side in the form of high crime rates in the region. According to a report, Philadelphia rates at 9th on the crime index, implying Philadelphia is safer than only 9% states if the US (Pennsylvania). The scale is measured from one to hundred, hundred being the safest region. This clearly shows the unstable nature of the city and the high practice of illegal and violent activities in the area. Violence in Philadelphia consists of both, crimes related to violence and homicides and also property crimes like illegal possession. On average, 54 such incidents are likely to happen among a thousand residents in the region. Therefore one’s likelihood of being the victim of such offense is one in every eighteen people. Property crimes are more rampant than crimes incorporating violence (NeighborhoodScout). Such high percentages of crimes have been noticed in other similar sized and populated cities of the US as well (NeighborhoodScout), pointing towards a certain universality of the phenomenon. It gives an impression that vast and over-populated cities like Philadelphia are unable to control or curb the violence taking place within its designated areas for the lack of a unified scheming authority. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the number of homicides committed in the past four years has been noted. Reportedly, 374 homicides were committed in 2007, 312 in 2008, 288 homicides in 2009, and 288 homicides in 2010 as well. The current toll for the year 2011 has reached 310 homicides in total as on 10th December 2011 (Philadelphia Police Department). Several blogs and articles have been created to warn the residents of Philadelphia about the dangers and extent of crimes prevalent, and also to inform about the security measures one should take in order to avoid victimization. First and foremost is the learning of self-defense techniques like karate and taekwondo (PhillyCrime). In the unfortunate occurrence of a mob activity, one may be able to save himself/herself by injuring the opponent and managing an escape. This skill will prove to be excessively beneficial in case of a frequent traveler. Apart from this, certain safety guidelines have been established by the community on the whole whereby they have distinguished the safe zones from the dangerous ones. Such blogs and informatory articles help the unaware tourists to stay safe. Morning activities are also preferable as night time is the best time for darkness and evil. It is highly recommended that a person entering Philadelphia for the first time should do a thorough research about the city and its safe zones in order to ensure his/her own safety and security. Recently, mob arrests have also been reported whereby those accused with horrendous crimes like murders and violence have been jailed and await the court trials and formal announcement of their detention. Several of those charged with horrendous crimes have reached their well-deserved fate whereas an equally major part of the criminal world awaits their destiny and justice trial. In addition to such crimes, murders and automobile thefts are also rampant, contributing to the risky nature of the city. According to a statistical analysis, Philadelphia witnesses the highest rate of murder irrespective of the size and population of the cities of US. Also, one in 170 residents of Philadelphia is prone towards car theft. It will not be wrong to say that Philadelphia is a city of crimes and criminals with respect to its abundance in the city. Once the abundance of crimes has been recognized, it is important to appreciate the underlying causes for such high crime rates in the city and the possible methods of controlling and curbing this terror. The causes for such widespread toll of crimes are many. However, the most important of these was reported a while ago at the beginning of this year whereby a report established the scarcity of human resource at the Philadelphia Police Association (PhillyCrime). Of the designated 6500, 143 officers were short on accounts of budget limitation whereas 500 officers were unavailable for duty due to accidents, injuries, medical issues etc. This means that the city is short of government supported security, justifying the existence of immense criminal activities in the region. Another popular reason can be the existence of drugs and drugs abuse in the city. Drugs have universally been accepted as an element of moral and ethical deterioration of the society. Numerous deaths have reportedly been incurred for and by drugs. Several of the people shot dead for no apparent reason are indeed gunned down under the influence of drugs. A special accreditation for the volatile law and order situation of the city undoubtedly goes to the existence, easy acquisition and easy use of arms and weapons. The licensing procedures have clearly proved to be inadequate in controlling the amount of weapons possessed by a nation. The check-and-balance on licenses is also poor. Moreover, the ease of trading arms is a major reason behind the high liquidity of arms in Philadelphia. As long as the sale and purchase of arms continue to be a part of free trade, these cannot be regulated in the Philadelphia society. Yet another reason for violence in Philadelphia is the existence of cold-blooded racism against the black community. The history of Racism stretches back to time unknown, since the formation of America. Racism has been practiced in numerous regions of America, historically and presently. One such news was reported in the Philly Burbs Newspaper, “Philadelphia may be ground zero for race riots – apologists love calling them teenage flash mobs – but it is far from alone” (Flaherty). Much of the race riots are being conducted by the energetic teenagers, damaging both of the major races. A while ago, Philadelphia authorities had decided to impose a curfew to curb the teenage violence in the region. Several of the hostile teenagers were arrested as well due to this. The teenagers and their guardians were issued a first time warning. The officials believed it would help in controlling and all the more stopping the violence in Philadelphia. However, notably, the crime rates have not reduced significantly since the implementation of this ideology (Fiedler). Crime in Philadelphia is at an uncomfortably immense scale, affecting every citizen of the city and also the schools. Several reports contain an incident whereby a regular occurrence was mutilated by mob activities. The citizens are extremely worried and tired of the crime rule in Philadelphia and have repeatedly appealed to the relevant authorities to formulate safety measures. Not only this, schools have also been targeted for violent activities. For certain reasons pertaining to brand name and ratings of the schools, such incidents are not reported, which has been recognized by the authorities as well. However, it will be wrong to say the criminal activities have no effect on schools and school-goers at all. Contributing to the situation of the city are also factors like illiteracy and frustration of the people. Apart from this, improper funds distribution has also been recognized as an underlying cause. Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) has reported significant cuts in the policing budget since the US government involved and aided the war against terrorism (DPIC). As already mentioned the Philadelphia Police Department is short on human resource for their inability to afford the police members and due to the damages inflicted on those in the field. Hence the Police authority’s ability to control and respond to such mob activities has been immensely hampered. Several solutions have been proposed by the authorities and the individuals residing in Philadelphia to curb these violence activities in the region. As already mentioned, teenage curfew is one of them. It helps by putting teenagers off the roads at certain times, which helps in reducing crime as most of such activities are carried out by teenagers themselves. The full effects of this measure are yet to be researched and known. Moreover, numerous government and non-government organizations also have come into play, nurturing the youth regarding the effects and harms of violence. Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center was established as an Urban Partnership Academic Center of Excellence (UPACE) in 2006. This center helps in controlling violence in children and teenagers’ life. It brings together numerous platforms of development like “academic institutions and community based institutions to share equally in planning, leadership analysis and dissemination of research results” (PCVPC). The PCVPC has successfully achieved the formation of 55-evidence based tips for preventing violence and building the community. These tips are formulated on solid grounds of research and evidence and are therefore expected to work. Not only this, PCVPC also established that “greening up vacant lots reduced assaults, gun assaults, and gun robberies in the surrounding committees” (Avril). This was reported by PCVPC in the leading newspaper of Philadelphia, based on the study they conducted. The study seems to have a psychological base; however, it highly appreciates the fact that greening of regions has made it difficult for arms to be traded and hidden. Hence PCVPC has contributed to the violence reduction in the city. Another organization serving the same purpose is the “Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia”. This organization has been functioning for more than thirty years, helping children and youth to resolve conflict in a non-violent manner. It was founded by the victims of such violence who had lost a loved one for this futile reason. It not only imparts Student Anti Violence education, but also provides a support structure for the families of the victims and provides counseling to all so that they can deal with their turmoil in a better manner. All residents of Philadelphia are invariably affected by such horrendous activities – either directly, indirectly or in anticipation. Fear has gripped the city, restricting the movement of people, although most believe their homes are not quite as safe as they used to be. Counseling and advisory services are therefore the need of the time. Not only this, certain community blogs like “WHYY Community” has taken a step to welcome the people’s views about how to curb the violence in the city. Undoubtedly, the aforementioned forum has received immense response. From drugs controlling to severe punishment for possession of weapons, all have been effectively discussed on this platform. Immense difference between the social classes has also been recognized by few as a contributing factor for the violence in the city. Education and non-violence resolution has also been promoted in the discussions. S. Jackson proposed the publicity of the grief, horror and sadness the families of the unfortunate victims go through in order to make people realize the drastic effects of such activities. Jackson maintains if everyone alike is aware of the emotional and physical tortures the families go through due to the loss of their loved ones the youth would better appreciate the effects of such practices and refrain from them. Several of the feedbacks received on this forum were in fact from those who had already lost loved ones in vain. Parents’ involvement has also been reinforced as they are the basic source of education and control for youngsters. Parents need to care and supervise their children’s activities to ensure that they are not headed for destruction, personally or socially. Also, parents are probably the only beings that can exercise any control on their children during and after the rebellious years. Parents need to ensure that children do not take everything for granted and do not consider everything disposable – certain societal and personal values need to be incorporated in the youth from an early age to ensure the growth of better beings and citizens. Some responses clearly focus on plain law enforcement with respect to everything. Laws need to be enforced and enacted to protect property and to clear the unpaid pending dues. Laws need to be put into action regarding the licensing and control of ammunition. It has also been proposed by few that law-breakers need to be penalized severely so that they are less likely to relapse into old detrimental practices. Another interesting factor mentioned in the proposed solutions is that teenagers should be encouraged not to indulge in sexual activities out of marriage or to indulge in the reproduction process if they do not intend to maintain the aftermath. Such activities are contributing to the societal deterioration and poverty. Also, such foulness is also breeding hatred into the next generation for loss of identity and hope. As appropriately mentioned in the proposal, “it takes a village to raise a child, that village begins at home with the child’s two parents” (Lewis). The village to the unwanted children is the brutality of nature and the mob culture, increasing the numbers of frustrated and self-abominating masses. Despite all this, Philadelphia has proved to be a tourist attraction. It provides tourists with an exotic experience of luxury and life. The infrastructure of the city reflects the age and heritage of the city. Not only this, Philadelphia is the home to several museums that narrate the history of America and the city. Additionally, Philadelphia has developed modern attractions as well like business and shopping districts and dining precincts. Philadelphia tourism guides compel the first time visitors to the city to indulge in the perfect cuisine, local and foreign, through the variety of restaurants and eat out spots located sparingly. A number of outdoor activities are also available for the tourists including horse riding, biking, hiking etc. These activities are sure to impart a memorable experience to the people. Moreover, with regards to health and beauty, spas and saloons are present for relaxing the people. Museums and performing arts are also revered in the city with numerous spots dedicated to such heritage articles (Pennsylvania). If the safety and security procedures are followed appropriately, there is no reason to believe the tourists will not be able to enjoy their tour through Philadelphia. Caution needs to be implemented well. Works Cited CrimeReports. “Crime Maps and Stats”. phillypolice.com. Philadelphia Police Department, 10 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. PhillyCrime. “Mob Arrests”. phillyCrime.Org. Philly Crime, 21 Jan. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. PhillyCrime. “Up and Down”. phillyCrime.Org. Philly Crime, 30 Dec. 2010. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Neighborhood Scout. “Crime rates for Philadelphia, PA”. neighborhoodscout.com. Neighborhood Scout, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Pennsylvania. “Philadelphia USA”. inventpa.com. Philadelphia Travel, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Pennsylvania. “Things to do”. inventpa.com. Philadelphia Travel. n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. WHYY Community. “Violent Crimes in Philadelphia – A city searches for answers and hope”. whyy.org. WHYY Community, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. DPIC. “Causes of Violence: Experts indicate crime can rise when funds are diverted from Police to War on Terrorism”. deathpenaltyinfo.org. Death Penalty Info, 21 Oct. 2007. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Fiedler, Elizabeth. “Officials in Philadelphia plan curfews to curb teen violence”. npr.org. npr, 11 Aug. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. AVP. “Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia”. avpphila.org. AVPPhila, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Flaherty, Colin. “Racial Violence in Philadelphia: The hate that dare not speak its name”. phillyburbs.com. PhillyBurbs, 5 Oct. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. PCVPC. “Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center”. phillyviolenceprevention.org. Philly Violence Prevention, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Avril, Tom. “University of Pennsylvania study links vacant-lot cleanups, reduced gun crime”. articles.philly.com. Philadelphia Inquirer. 25 Nov. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Jackson, S and Lewis, L. Violent Crime in Philadelphia; A City Searches for Answers... and Hope. whyy.org. WHYY Community. n.d. 15 Dec. 2011. Read More