Pocatello, Idaho is a city of about 55,000 people located in southeastern Idaho. It is the county seat of Bannock County and is known for its outdoor activities, friendly people, and laid-back atmosphere. While it is generally considered a safe city, it is not immune to crime. So, is there a lot of crime in Pocatello, Idaho?
Crime Statistics
According to the most recent statistics from the Idaho State Police, Pocatello had a total of 1,026 reported crimes in 2019. This includes property crimes (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson) and violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault).
When compared to other cities of similar size, Pocatello has a slightly lower crime rate than average. The city’s violent crime rate is below the national average, while the property crime rate is slightly above the national average. This means that while there is some crime in Pocatello, it is generally considered to be a safe city.
Causes of Crime in Pocatello
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the crime rate in Pocatello. These include poverty, drug use, and a lack of access to resources such as education and job opportunities. In addition, the city has seen an increase in population in recent years, which can lead to a higher crime rate.
Poverty
Poverty is one of the main causes of crime in Pocatello. The city’s poverty rate is higher than the state average, with nearly one-quarter of the population living below the poverty line. This can lead to desperation and a greater likelihood of people turning to crime to make ends meet.
Drug Use
Drug use is also a major factor in the crime rate in Pocatello. Drug abuse can lead to a variety of criminal activities, including theft, burglary, and violent crimes. In addition, drug use can lead to increased violence in the city, as those who are under the influence of drugs may be more likely to commit violent acts.
Lack of Resources
Finally, a lack of access to resources such as education and job opportunities can lead to crime in Pocatello. When people do not have access to these resources, they may be more likely to turn to criminal activities in order to make money or find a way to support themselves.
Preventing Crime in Pocatello
There are a number of ways that the city of Pocatello can work to reduce crime. These include increasing access to resources such as education and job opportunities, providing drug treatment programs, and increasing the police presence in the city.
- Increasing Access to Resources – Providing more resources such as education and job opportunities can help reduce crime by giving people an alternative to turning to criminal activities.
- Drug Treatment Programs – Providing drug treatment programs can help reduce drug use in the city, which can lead to a decrease in crime.
- Increasing Police Presence – Increasing the police presence in the city can help to deter crime, as those who are considering committing a crime may be less likely to do so if they know that there is a greater risk of being caught.
In conclusion, while there is some crime in Pocatello, it is generally considered to be a safe city. However, the city can work to reduce crime by increasing access to resources, providing drug treatment programs, and increasing the police presence. By doing these things, the city of Pocatello can work to make the city a safer place to live.