Maine is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and kind people. However, a recent Money Inc. analysis found that it also has some of the highest crime rates in the country.
This study examined 200 cities and towns in Maine, taking into account characteristics such as violent and property crime rates, as well as employment opportunities, rehabilitation initiatives, and earnings. The findings resulted in a list of the riskiest places to live in Maine for 2023.
Augusta, The Most Dangerous Place to Live in Maine
The study found that Augusta, Maine’s capital, was the state’s statistically most dangerous city. It was followed by Skowhegan, Biddeford, and Bangor, all of which have high rates of violent and property crime, as well as lower levels of economic stability and social services.
The survey highlighted the cities’ long-term challenges, which included persistent poverty, unemployment, substance addiction, and mental health concerns.
Augusta had a violent crime rate of 3.11 per 1,000 persons and a property crime rate of 29.95 per 1,000 people. Skowhegan had a violent crime rate of 4.01 per 1,000 persons and a property crime rate of 28.67 per 1,000 people.
Biddeford had a violent crime rate of 4.03 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 22.91 per 1,000 people, whereas Bangor had a violent crime rate of 3.77 and a property crime rate of 23.76 per 1,000 residents.
The report also named Auburn the safest city in Maine, ranking 51st. Auburn has a low violent crime rate of 2.12 per 1,000 residents and a comparable low property crime rate of 27.13 per 1,000 persons. Auburn was known for its historic downtown core and proximity to Lewiston, but it also stood out for its safety.
Efforts Taken to Reduce Crime in Maine
Several efforts taken by politicians seek to minimize crime in Maine. Key initiatives include:
- The State Bureau of Identification (SBI), a component of the Maine State Police, collects and manages criminal history data. They disseminate this information throughout the criminal justice system and work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. SBI also oversees the state’s Sex Offender Registry (SOR).
- The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program is a collaborative effort with over 16,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide. These agencies voluntarily contribute crime data, which allows the UCR Program to provide national and state-level information on both violent and property crimes.
- Maine Public Radio’s: Maine Calling program airs stories and interviews about crime and justice issues in the state. The program provides a forum for discussing a variety of essential issues, including gun violence, drug misuse, mental health, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
While these measures reflect officials’ commitment to combating crime in Maine, some external parties warn that data accuracy may be jeopardized due to differences in reporting techniques or standards amongst agencies.
As a result, critical and cautious thinking is required when interpreting crime numbers and patterns in Maine.
Conclusion
Despite Maine’s scenic beauty and rich history, a recent study by Money Inc. reveals concerning crime rates in cities like Augusta, Skowhegan, Biddeford, and Bangor. While officials implement initiatives to address these issues, caution is advised in interpreting crime data due to potential variations in reporting methods among agencies. Vigilance is crucial for residents and policymakers alike in fostering safer communities.