Hollywood, Florida is a coastal city located in Broward County, in the southeastern part of the United States. Like many cities in the US, Hollywood has had its fair share of crime over the years. However, the city has also made significant progress in reducing crime and creating a safer environment for its residents. In this article, we will explore the crime rate in Hollywood, Florida, its causes, and what measures have been taken to combat it.

The Crime Rate in Hollywood, Florida

The crime rate in Hollywood, Florida, is lower than the national average, according to statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In 2019, the city had a crime rate of 2,614 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 3,400 per 100,000 residents. However, while the overall crime rate in Hollywood has been decreasing in recent years, there are still certain types of crimes that are more prevalent than others.

One of the most common types of crimes in Hollywood is property crime, which includes theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. In 2019, there were 2,343 reported cases of property crime in Hollywood, which represents a decrease of 8.8% from the previous year. Another common type of crime in the city is violent crime, which includes homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2019, there were 422 reported cases of violent crime in Hollywood, which represents a decrease of 12.4% from the previous year.

Causes of Crime in Hollywood, Florida

There are several factors that contribute to the crime rate in Hollywood, Florida. One of the most significant factors is poverty. According to the US Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Hollywood is 14.8%, which is higher than the national average of 10.5%. Poverty can lead to crime in several ways, including increasing the likelihood of drug use, unemployment, and desperation.

Another factor that contributes to crime in Hollywood is drug abuse. Hollywood is located near several major drug trafficking routes, which makes it a hub for drug activity. Drug abuse can lead to violent crime, property crime, and other forms of criminal activity.

Measures to Combat Crime in Hollywood, Florida

The City of Hollywood has implemented several measures to combat crime and create a safer environment for its residents. One of the most significant measures is the implementation of a community policing program. The program focuses on building relationships between police officers and community members, with the goal of creating trust and cooperation. This approach has been successful in reducing crime and improving community relations in other cities, and it has been effective in Hollywood as well.

Another measure that has been implemented to combat crime in Hollywood is the use of technology. The city has installed surveillance cameras in high-crime areas, which have been effective in deterring criminal activity and assisting law enforcement in apprehending criminals.

Finally, the City of Hollywood has implemented several programs aimed at reducing poverty and drug abuse, which are significant contributors to crime. These programs include job training, substance abuse treatment, and community outreach. By addressing the root causes of crime, these programs have been successful in reducing crime and creating a safer environment for residents.

Conclusion

The crime rate in Hollywood, Florida, is lower than the national average, but there is still room for improvement. Poverty and drug abuse are significant contributors to crime in the city, but measures such as community policing, the use of technology, and programs aimed at reducing poverty and drug abuse have been effective in reducing crime and creating a safer environment for residents. As the City of Hollywood continues to implement these measures and others, it will likely continue to see a reduction in crime and an improvement in the quality of life for its residents.