This Tennessee State Town Takes the Crown for Most Violent Town

When considering violent crime in the United States, big cities such as Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore often come to mind. Based on the most recent FBI data, the town with the highest rate of violence in Tennessee is neither Memphis, Nashville, nor Knoxville. Ridgely is a small community with a population of less than 3,000 located in the northwest corner of the state.

What causes Ridgely to exhibit such aggressive behavior?

Ridgely, a town in Lake County, Tennessee, had a population of 2,912 in 2020. The violent crime rate is 2,566 per 100,000 people, over 10 times higher than the national average of 250 per 100,000. In 2020, a violent crime affected one out of every 39 residents of Ridgely, including murder, rape, robbery, or assault. It is uncertain what exactly is causing Ridgely’s high crime rate, but there are some potential factors:

• Ridgely has a poverty rate of 35.7%, which is over twice the state average of 15.3%. Crime is frequently associated with poverty due to the stress, desperation, and limited opportunities it can cause.
• Ridgely is situated close to the Kentucky and Missouri border, known for being significant suppliers of illicit substances like methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Drug trafficking and addiction can lead to increased violence, as dealers and users vie for control over territory, finances, and resources.
• Gangs: Ridgely is known for hosting various gangs, including the Gangster Disciples, the Vice Lords, and the Crips. Gangs participate in a range of criminal activities, including drug dealing, extortion, robbery, and murder. Gangs often have rivalries and conflicts that can lead to violent incidents like shootings and killings.
• Ridgely’s police department is small and understaffed, with just six officers to cover the entire town. It indicates that the police have restricted resources and ability to stop, address, and look into crimes. This also indicates that residents lack trust and confidence in the police, potentially leading to a decrease in their cooperation and crime reporting.

How does Ridgely stack up against other towns in Tennessee?

There are other towns in Tennessee with high crime rates besides Ridgely. Based on FBI data, there are 10 additional towns in the state with a violent crime rate exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 people. This goes against the widely held belief that crime is more common in urban areas. Studies have shown that rural areas experience higher rates of violent crime compared to urban areas, particularly in cases of rape and domestic violence.

Also Read: These are the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in America

How can we decrease violence in Ridgely?

Addressing the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to crime is a challenging task when it comes to reducing violence in Ridgely. Here are some potential solutions:

• Enhancing economic opportunities by offering additional employment, education, and training options for Ridgely residents can assist them in breaking free from poverty and enhancing their quality of life. This can help decrease their participation in illegal activities and enhance their connection to the community.
• Improving drug prevention and treatment: To help reduce the violence linked to drug trafficking and addiction in Ridgely, it is important to decrease the supply and demand of drugs. One way to address this issue is by stepping up enforcement and prosecution of drug dealers, while also offering increased access and assistance for individuals looking to quit or recover from drug use.
• Strengthening community policing: Improving the relationship and cooperation between the police and the community can help improve the safety and security of Ridgely. One way to achieve this is by increasing the number and diversity of police officers and involving the community in crime prevention and problem-solving efforts.
• Helping victims and witnesses of violent crime by offering additional support and protection can aid in their healing and recovery from trauma. This can also motivate individuals to come forward and provide testimony against the offenders, ultimately boosting accountability and deterring crime.

In conclusion

Ridgely, a town in Tennessee, has one of the highest violent crime rates in the state and the country. Ridgely’s violent behavior stems from a variety of factors, such as poverty, drug use, gang involvement, and law enforcement practices. To decrease violence in Ridgely, it is essential for the government, police, community, and other stakeholders to work together comprehensively and collaboratively. Although Ridgely is a small town, it is in need of significant change.