Dr. Chidike I. Okeem, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology at Western New England University, recently spoke with WalletHub to share insights on safety and crime reduction as part of a review of the safest states in America 2024. Massachusetts ranked 4th safest among all 50 states. His expert analysis covered how individuals can assess safety when choosing where to live, and offered advice for policymakers on crime prevention.
Okeem emphasized that while there are many potential safety threats, such as crime, weather, and pollution, crime is often overstated. “Violent crime, contrary to media perceptions, is statistically rare,” he said. He advised people to focus on avoiding crime "hot spots," rather than steering clear of entire cities. By recognizing that crime is not evenly distributed, individuals can make informed choices about where to live.
On national crime policy, Okeem commented on the upcoming 2024 presidential election and how future administrations can address crime. If Kamala Harris is elected, he recommends continuing the approach to criminal justice that is found in the American Rescue Plan, which has funded community policing and alternatives to policing. For Donald Trump, Okeem pointed to the success of the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018, suggesting that smart criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing over-incarceration should be prioritized.
Okeem also stressed that state and local policymakers have the greatest impact on crime prevention. He urged a combination of "hot spots policing," community policing, and early intervention programs to foster long-term crime reduction. He noted that while short-term solutions may appeal to policymakers focused on re-election, investing in long-term strategies is essential for meaningful crime prevention.
Dr. Okeem's insights contribute to the ongoing dialogue on public safety and underscore the need for both immediate and sustained efforts to improve community well-being.
