Exam 9: The Costs and Benefits of Legalized Gambling

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The FBI has identified 13 different factors that can impact the level of crime in a community. The list appears in Table 9.3. By cross-referencing this list with the crime rates of the cities on the lists, we can partially explain the higher crime rates. For example, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Las Vegas have all experienced a tremendous influx of new residents in the past two decades. The lack of social cohesion means fewer residents looking out for their neighbors' property and wellbeing. A transient population also increases the likelihood of criminals moving to the community. This transiency is a factor identified by the FBI as influencing crime rates. These three cities also enjoy a warm climate, which encourages criminal activity. Criminals are less active in cold winter weather. Another factor is the effective strength of law enforcement agencies. New York City's crime rate in the 1980's and early 1990's was sky rocketing. With the inauguration of Rudy Giuliani as mayor in 1994, his strong emphasis on enforcing the law and the introduction of new policing methods has resulted in an exemplary crime situation.