Florida is a popular destination for tourists and retirees, but not all cities in the Sunshine State are safe. Riviera Beach, a small city with a population of 35,000, has been ranked as the #1 dangerous city in Florida. This article explores the crime rate in Riviera Beach, its impact on residents, and what the city is doing to address the issue.
Crime Rate in Riviera Beach
According to CrimeGrade.org, Riviera Beach has a crime rate of 39.38 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. This is higher than the average US city and places Riviera Beach in the 20th percentile for safety. The city has a D grade for overall crime, which means the rate of crime is higher than the average US city.
The crime rate in Riviera Beach is not evenly distributed throughout the city. The southeast neighborhoods have a higher crime rate, with a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of crime, while the southwest part of the city has a lower crime rate, with a 1 in 45 chance of being a victim of crime.
Riviera Beach has a high rate of violent crime, including assault, murder, rape, and robbery. The violent crime rate in Riviera Beach in 2020 was 697.0, which is more than three times the U.S. average of 228.3. The property crime rate in Riviera Beach is also high, with a rate of 2,261.8 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,042.8.
What Measures Are Being Taken to Reduce Crime in Riviera Beach
To reduce crime in Riviera Beach, several measures are being implemented:
1. Community Engagement and Recreational Programming: The city plans to expand its recreational programming to provide more opportunities for young people, offering them a different pathway and reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
2. Increased Law Enforcement Presence: Riviera Beach is deploying more law enforcement assets and cameras to enhance surveillance and deter criminal activities.
3. Technology-Based, Community-Oriented Policing Program: The Riviera Beach Police Department has implemented a Technology Oriented Policing (TOP) program, which combines traditional law enforcement methods with the latest technology to combat crime effectively. This program focuses on community participation, district-based policing, and public-private partnerships to increase police-community relations and decrease crime rates.
4. School Safety Initiatives: Efforts are being made to address school safety issues, recognizing the importance of solving problems at this level to prevent children from becoming involved in criminal activities in the future.
5. Real-Time Crime Center: The department has developed a Real-Time Crime Center with a network of over 200 private/public cameras strategically located citywide, enhancing surveillance capabilities and crime prevention efforts.
6. Collaborative Efforts: The Riviera Beach Police Department emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement, community engagement initiatives, and the dedication of residents to create a safer environment. This collaboration has been instrumental in achieving milestones like the lowest homicide rate in the city.
These measures reflect a comprehensive approach that combines community engagement, technology, and strategic partnerships to address crime in Riviera Beach and enhance the safety and quality of life for its residents.
Conclusion
Riviera Beach, FL, is the #1 dangerous city in Florida, with a high crime rate that affects residents’ safety and property values. While the city is taking steps to address the issue, more needs to be done to reduce the crime rate and make Riviera Beach a safer place to live. Residents and visitors are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings when in Riviera Beach.