The 10 US States With the Worst Crime Management

Crime in the US has reached a historic low. The population of both state and federal prisons is declining due to the ongoing prison reforms. However, the US is sending more of its citizens to the prison than other developed countries. Crime rate varies from state to state as do the rate of incarceration. States also cope with crimes differently, as some of the states are more successful than others. The nature of crimes includes property crime, assault, violent crime, and murder. States such as Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts have the best crime management and provide a safe environment for the public. However, here are some of the states with the worst crime management.

Worst States by Crime Management

The Worst Three States

Alaska, New Mexico, and Louisiana are the most dangerous states in the US. Nearly all major crime trends in Alaska are on the increase. Cases of rape and robbery are common in the state. It is the second riskiest place for the public. The criminal justice system in Alaska is the 15th worst of all states. New Mexico is the most unsafe state for the public due to the high property crime rate. According to the FBI Crime Report, New Mexico recorded 837 violent crimes per 100,000 persons and 4,909 property crimes per 100,000 people. Its crime justice system was ranked 22nd in the US. Louisiana tops the murder rate in the US. Violent crime in the state is one of the highest in the country. Louisiana’s public safety is only better than Alaska and New Mexico.

Arkansas, Delaware, and Missouri

Arkansas is one of the cheapest states to live in. The cost of housing is relatively low and affordable even for some low-income earners. However, it is one of the most unsafe places to stay. Violent and property crimes are prevalent in Arkansas. In fact, it is the 4th most unsafe state in the US. Its criminal justice system is the 12th worst among the states. Although crimes such as rape, robbery, and burglary have dropped, Delaware still reports high crime incidences. The safest cities in the state report up to 20 property crimes per 1,000 people. Delaware’s criminal justice is the third-worst in the country while in terms of public safety it is the 11th worst. Missouri completes the list of the six worst states by crime management. St Louis in Missouri has the highest violent crime rate per capita in the country. The state has the 5th worst criminal justice while the public is among the unsafe in the country.

The Other States with Worst Crime Management

Nevada, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee are also some of the states with the worst crime management in the US. Although Tennessee has one of the best criminal justice systems, the high rate of violent and property crimes has made it one of the riskiest places for the public.

Crime Management Ranking

In ranking states by crime management, two broad areas are considered; public safety and correction. For public safety rating, states with the higher property crimes such as burglary scored lower. For correction, states with higher rates of incarceration scored lower. Also, states with inadequate and unsafe prisons scored lower. The efficiency of a correction system shows how a state handles crime and public safety.