Florida is a favorite spot for tourists and retirees alike, but not every city in the Sunshine State is safe. One of the riskiest places is Riviera Beach, a small city with around 35,000 residents. This article will explore the crime rates in Riviera Beach, how it affects the people living there, and what measures are being taken to improve safety.
Crime Rate in Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach has a crime rate of 39.38 incidents per 1,000 residents each year, according to CrimeGrade.org. This is much higher than the average U.S. city, putting Riviera Beach in the bottom 20% for safety. The city receives a D grade for overall crime, indicating that its crime rate is above the national average.
The crime isn’t spread evenly across the city. The southeast areas are particularly dangerous, with residents facing a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a crime victim. In contrast, the southwest part of the city is safer, with a 1 in 45 chance of encountering crime.
Violent crimes like assault, murder, rape, and robbery are notably high in Riviera Beach. In 2020, the violent crime rate was 697 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the U.S. average of 228.3. Property crimes are also common, with a rate of 2,261.8 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 2,042.8.
Efforts to Reduce Crime in Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is implementing several strategies to tackle its crime problem:
- Community Engagement and Recreational Programs: The city is expanding recreational programs for young people to provide positive alternatives and reduce the likelihood of them turning to crime.
- Increased Law Enforcement Presence: More police officers and surveillance cameras are being deployed to deter criminal activities.
- Technology-Based, Community-Oriented Policing Program: The Riviera Beach Police Department has introduced the Technology Oriented Policing (TOP) program, combining traditional methods with advanced technology. This program emphasizes community participation, district-based policing, and partnerships between public and private sectors to improve police-community relations and reduce crime rates.
- School Safety Initiatives: Efforts are underway to enhance safety in schools, aiming to prevent children from getting involved in criminal activities.
- Real-Time Crime Center: A new Real-Time Crime Center with over 200 cameras around the city helps monitor and prevent crime more effectively.
- Collaborative Efforts: The police department highlights the importance of working together with the community and other stakeholders to create a safer environment. This teamwork has led to significant achievements, such as the lowest homicide rate in the city’s history.
These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach, combining community engagement, technology, and strategic partnerships to address crime in Riviera Beach and improve residents’ safety and quality of life.
Conclusion
Riviera Beach, FL, is currently the most dangerous city in Florida, with high crime rates impacting residents’ safety and property values. While the city is making efforts to combat this issue, more work is needed to lower the crime rate and make Riviera Beach a safer place to live. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while in the area.