Crime in Chicago: A Tale of Progress and Perseverance - Exploring 7 Million Reported Crimes: An Analysis of Crime Trends Across 22 Variables with ArcGIS
Published in JOULE is a joint research project funded under the Erasmus+ Programme:
https://www.jouleproject.eu/2023/07/06/crime-in-chicago-in-22-years/
Dataset course: https://data.cityofchicago.org/Public-Safety/Crimes-2001-to-Present/ijzp-q8t2
Chicago has long struggled with high rates of violent crime, earning it unfavorable nicknames like "Chiraq." However, a recent analysis of crime data from 2000-2022 reveals a more nuanced story of both progress and perseverance in the city's battle against crime.
The data shows that overall crime in Chicago peaked in 2001 and has since declined significantly. The city saw over 650 homicides in 2001 compared to just over 600 last year. Shooting incidents are down by one-third compared to 20 years ago. Crime rates for burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson have all steadily decreased as well. This trend defies broader national spikes in homicides and shootings in recent years and is a testament to the hard work of Chicago lawmakers and law enforcement.
However, the data also reveals Chicago's continued struggle with violent crime. Despite the overall downward trend, homicide and shooting rates are still intolerably high for a major American city. Homicides remain well above rates from the early 2000s. Chicago also continues to account for a disproportionately high percentage of the nation's increase in homicides.
LINK: https://novagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=1a9e99ab79894595b52141a0f55894b1
Progress has undoubtedly been made, but Chicago still has a long way to go to shed its reputation as a dangerous city. Bringing crime down to levels on par with other major metro areas will require strong continued partnerships between police, policymakers, community organizations, and residents. It will also hinge on addressing systemic issues like poverty, lack of economic opportunity, and the fragmented nature of gangs that fuel much of Chicago's violent crime.
The past 22 years have shown Chicago has the capacity to drive crime down substantially. But it will take a sustained, collaborative effort to make the city truly safe for all residents. The progress so far provides hope that with perseverance, Chicago can transform itself into a city known not for its crime, but for its community, resilience, and prosperity.
LINK: https://novagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=593670f170c0400a8bc86a1565024913
The analysis of Chicago's crime data over the past 22 years reveals a mix of progress through declining overall crime rates but also perseverance still needed to address persistent violent crime and homicide levels. Though crime has dropped substantially since its peak in 2001, Chicago continues to struggle with high rates of homicide and shootings compared to other major cities. Further collaboration and addressing systemic issues will be key to making sustained progress. But the reductions achieved so far show Chicago has the capacity to transform its public safety outlook with perseverance.