Safety and crime rates in Wisconsin: Consider local crime data and trends. Compare urban versus rural safety statistics. Investigate neighborhood watch groups availability. Research property crime rates by area. Look into violent crime occurrences. Assess public transportation safety measures. Examine local law enforcement presence. Evaluate emergency services response times. Explore community safety initiatives and programs. Review online forums for resident opinions.
Consider local crime data and trends.
In 2022, Wisconsin experienced a lower than average violent crime rate of 297.0 per 100,000 people alongside a property crime rate of 1385.0 per 100,000 residents, both notably under the national averages. The state witnessed a substantial reduction in crime rates from 2021 to 2022, highlighted by an 8.5% decrease in violent crime and a 9.7% drop in property crime. This positive trend underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security for residents. For more detailed information on these statistics, you can visit the Crime Statistics of Wisconsin.
Compare urban versus rural safety statistics.
In Wisconsin, as in the rest of the U.S., urban areas generally have higher crime victimization rates than rural areas. Urban areas reported 24.5 violent victimizations per 1,000 people, which is more than double the rate in rural areas, at 11.1 per 1,000 people. For more detailed insights and discussions on this topic, you can visit USAFacts for comprehensive data on crime rates. The disparity in crime rates highlights the distinct challenges faced by urban communities compared to their rural counterparts.
Investigate neighborhood watch groups availability.
Neighborhood Watch groups are actively available and supported in Wisconsin, particularly in cities like South Milwaukee, where the police department collaborates with these groups to enhance community security, share crime trends, and prevent crime through community engagement and problem-solving strategies. For more information about how these initiatives function and the ways to get involved, you can visit the South Milwaukee Neighborhood Watch page.
Research property crime rates by area.
Wisconsin boasts a relatively low property crime rate, ranking 43rd nationwide with 1,385 reported property crimes per 100,000 residents. Among the safest areas in the state for property crime are Juneau, Barneveld, and Fulton. Conversely, some of the least safe areas include West Milwaukee, Lake Delton, and St. Croix Falls. For more details on these safety rankings, you can visit the SafeHome website.
Look into violent crime occurrences.
Wisconsin's violent crime rate increased by 9% from 3.0 to 3.2 incidents per 1,000 persons, with aggravated assault accounting for 70% of all violent crimes in the state. Despite this rise, the overall violent crime rate remains below the national average, with aggravated assault being the most frequent type of violent crime.
Assess public transportation safety measures.
Public transportation safety in Wisconsin, particularly for Metro Transit in Madison, is managed through a Public Transit Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) that adheres to the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) safety standards. The plan includes a Safety Management System (SMS) that proactively identifies, assesses, and controls safety risks, sets safety performance targets, and ensures annual reviews and updates to maintain a high level of safety. For more detailed information, you can read the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan which outlines strategic safety measures in comprehensive detail.
Examine local law enforcement presence.
Wisconsin is experiencing a significant decline in law enforcement officers, with fewer than 13,400 officers in 2022, down from previous years. This reduction is coupled with low unemployment rates and a rising population, leading to staffing challenges across the state. The implementation of non-police response teams has been a measure to handle certain 911 calls, particularly affecting cities like Milwaukee, which has witnessed a rise in violent crimes. For more information, you can visit the PBS Wisconsin website, which offers an in-depth analysis of this issue.
Evaluate emergency services response times.
In Milwaukee, while the Milwaukee Police Department has improved 911 call answer times, the average on-scene response time for 911 calls has increased to 18 minutes and 21 seconds, attributed to staffing shortages and increased crime demands. High-priority calls take an average of 4 minutes and 44 seconds to respond to, while life-threatening incidents take around 10 minutes and 32 seconds. For further insight into this trend, the Milwaukee Police Department's response metrics reveal ongoing challenges and highlight areas for strategic improvements.
Explore community safety initiatives and programs.
The Wisconsin Community Safety Fund supports local, evidence-informed activities to enhance community safety and well-being. It provides funding for projects such as violence prevention programs, firearm violence prevention, and youth violence prevention. With a total of $10.4 million granted, the Wisconsin Community Safety Fund has supported ten organizations across the state, demonstrating its commitment to fostering safer communities throughout Wisconsin.
Review online forums for resident opinions.
Residents in Wisconsin generally feel safe, with 47% reporting a sense of security in their state, though there is a significant concern about crime, particularly package theft and gun violence. The safest cities in Wisconsin have notably low crime rates, with violent and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents express mixed sentiments, with some areas like Milwaukee and West Milwaukee being statistically less safe, while others like Juneau and Barneveld are considered very safe. Economic stagnation is a concern that could potentially impact crime rates in the future. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Safest Cities in Wisconsin.