national numbers when it comes to statistics like this. The reality is that we still have elevated levels of certain types of crime in certain places, which has an impact on quality of life. Carjackings are still much more common in DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia than they had been (auto theft in general). My anecdotal evidence would suggest that the homeless population in much more visible these days, and often more aggressive. Cities have lost retailers because of crime (or so they've said). We still see people jumping turnstiles in the DC metro.

The situation just isn't great. Some of it has to do with people not coming back to the office, and a decline in foot traffic and economic activity. We've also implemented stupid policy in certain places that makes it hard for cops to lock people up (and keep them locked up while awaiting trial). Getting rid of cash bail? Not pursuing drug offenses? A lot of this work stuff has taken a toll on the quality of life in some U.S. cities.

Time to stop tying to be woke. Time to stop trying to limit investment in law enforcement. The most important thing (for everyone) is to keep the streets safe. I also think we'll see the tide turn pretty quickly. The DC gov wants to walk back some of the recent efforts to limit incarceration and NY elected an ex Cop as its mayor.

[Post edited by Capital City Hoo at 03/06/2024 2:11PM]