Crime and the city: Is 167th most dangerous good enough?

When it comes to crime, Racine's cup is either half-full or half-empty.

The 14th annual "City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America," based on FBI statistics, was released Sunday; a look at the underside of 378 cities with at least 75,000 people.

Based on per-capita rates for homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and auto theft, Racine ranked 167th. In other words, 166 U.S. cities are more dangerous -- or, if you want to look at it the other way, 212 U.S. cities are safer than Racine.

Each crime category was considered separately, and weighted based on its seriousness. In the chart above, a "score" of 0.0 would reflect an average crime rate at the national rate in the six crimes reviewed. A positive score reflects an average rate above the national rate. A negative score reflects an average rate below the national rate. (The study has its critics. Stories HERE) and HERE.

The bad news is that, outside of Milwaukee, we are the most dangerous city in Wisconsin. Detroit is the most dangerous city in the U.S.; Mission Viejo, CA, the safest.

The good news is that Racine's ranking improved in 2006 over 2005, when Racine was the 116th most dangerous city in America.

"But how can you feel good about it?" asked Kurt Wahlen, Racine's police chief since September 2006. "Do we have a ways to go? Yes."

Wahlen, pistol under his arm and handcuffs on his belt, said crime runs in cycles. As bad as 2006 was, crime then was lower than in 2001. So far, 2007 is better than 2006: homicides, aggravated assaults, thefts, motor vehicle thefts and arson are down from last year (sex assaults and robberies are up, however). "Overall, we're down 16.5% this year," Wahlen said.

But aggravated assaults are "huge" he says, 102 in 2005; 206 in 2006. This year, so far, they're down 10%, "but there's a spike nationwide." Why? "There are a myriad of factors involved," he says, pointing to Racine's high unemployment and low median income. "But mostly it's a change in culture. If someone is dissed, insulted, they respond with violence. Movies, games, our whole culture is violent. We act out the way we learn ... and then we're surprised by what happens."

The Police Department budget is due to be approved this week. Wahlen expects to end up with $27 million and 199 officers; that's down from 211 officers in 2002-03. "It's enough," he says. "The Police Department is only one part of the puzzle."

"The average citizen," he says, "doesn't have to feel unsafe, but he should be aware and prepared. Don't fumble with your car keys when loaded down with packages, for example. Don't make yourself a target.

"This isn't Mayberry," Wahlen concludes.