Crime has always been part of the American conversation, but in recent years, it has grown into one of the most emotionally charged and politically sensitive topics in that country. From worries about car thefts and shoplifting to national debates about policing and justice reform, the serious issue touches millions of lives — whether through personal experience, neighborhood safety, or what we see on the news and online.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even confused by it all! That is why it’s worth stepping back to look at what’s really happening, what’s being done, and how political leaders — especially Mr Donald Trump — are shaping the way Americans talk about crime.
So let’s begin with the numbers. The FBI divides crimes into two broad types: violent crimes (like murder, assault, rape, and robbery) and property crimes (like burglary, theft, and car theft). In 2020, violent crime rates shot up dramatically. It was a chaotic year — between the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread unemployment, protests, and stretched police forces, it’s no surprise that homicides rose by nearly 30% (the highest jump in decades!)
But since then, things have started to improve. By 2023 and continuing into early 2024, murder rates dropped by over 20%, and other violent crimes, like rape and assault, also declined in many places. This is good news and it’s important news. It shows that efforts to address the crisis have made a difference.
At the same time, not all trends are positive. Property crimes, especially car thefts, have been rising in major cities like Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Chicago. Organized retail theft has also increased, forcing local businesses to install more security and, in some cases, close altogether. Even as shootings decline, many people still feel unsafe (and those feelings are real and valid.)
So what’s being done about it?
Different cities have taken different approaches. Some are relying on traditional police work — more officers, quicker response times, new technology… Others are trying something different: community-based programs that try to stop violence before it happens. For example, in Baltimore and Los Angeles, so-called “violence interrupters” (local residents who know their neighborhoods) step in during conflicts to calm things down and prevent retaliation.
There are also efforts to reform how policemen are trained and how they engage with the communities they serve. After tragic cases of police violence made national headlines, there has been more focus on empathy, de-escalation, and accountability. Some schools and juvenile systems have even adopted restorative justice programs, where offenders sit face-to-face with victims and learn the human cost of their actions.
Well, gun policy plays a role too. Although national gun laws haven’t changed much, some states have passed new rules, like red flag laws and tighter background checks. These laws aren’t always easy to enforce, but they show that local governments are trying to find their own solutions.
Still, challenges remain—and they ARE big.
Poverty and inequality are often at the root of both violent and property crimes. When people are struggling to survive, when they don’t have access to good schools or jobs, crime can follow. Mental health is another huge factor. Many who end up in jail or prison suffer from untreated mental illness or addiction. And yet, mental health services in the U.S. are still hard to access for far too many people…
Another problem is perception. The way crime is talked about in politics and media doesn’t always reflect reality. Polls show that most Americans believe crime is getting worse nationwide (even when the numbers say the opposite in their own city or state.) Why? Partly because of social media and constant news coverage that highlights the most violent, dramatic incidents. It’s hard to remember the good news when the bad is always louder.
Then there’s the political layer too, and it is impossible to ignore.
Trump has long cast himself as the candidate of “law and order.” He frequently blames liberal cities for crime, criticizing reforms like cash bail changes or less aggressive policing. He wants to increase funding for police, bring back controversial tactics like “stop-and-frisk,” and even expand the death penalty to include drug dealers.
For many of his supporters, this sounds like strength. But critics, including many civil rights groups, say his approach leans too heavily on punishment and fear. They argue that it does little to solve the real causes of crime, and instead risks deepening social divisions —especially along racial lines.
The bottom line is this: crime in America is complex. It’s shaped by economic stress, social inequality, addiction, trauma, opportunity (or the lack of it.) It is also influenced by how we talk about it, and by the leaders Americans elect.
There is no “easy fix.” But what’s clear is that progress is possible. Violent crime is falling in many places. Community programs are working. Conversations are happening. The question is whether the US can continue moving forward — through empathy, data, and unity — or fall back into fear, division, and reaction. Because at the core of this issue is not just policy or politics. It’s people. We, the people…
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Sources:
https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/20/portland-gun-violence-shootings-decline
https://apnews.com/article/e84bab8092fc15a0425a58f5ebb0cc23
https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sf-burglaries-trends-neighborhoods-20325446.php
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