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Brent, Alabama: A Decade of Violent Crime Trends in a Small City
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Brent, located in Alabama, presents an interesting case study in violent crime trends over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes fluctuated, with 19 incidents reported in 2010 and 18 in 2022, showing a slight decrease of 5.26%. During this same period, the population experienced significant changes, growing from 5,005 in 2010 to a peak of 6,053 in 2018, before declining to 4,178 in 2022, representing an overall decrease of 16.52%.
The murder rate in the city has remained consistently low, with only three reported cases over the 12-year period. These occurred in 2012 and 2015, with two murders in 2015 alone. The murder rate per 1,000 people peaked at 0.37 in 2015 and was zero for most other years. The city's contribution to state murder statistics was most significant in 2015, accounting for 0.75% of Alabama's murders. This sporadic pattern suggests that homicides are rare events in the community rather than a persistent issue.
Rape incidents have shown some variability over the years. The number of reported rapes ranged from zero to three annually, with the highest incidence in 2017 (3 cases). The rate per 1,000 people peaked at 0.54 in 2017. The city's percentage of state rape cases fluctuated, reaching its highest at 0.26% in 2017 and 2021. While these numbers are relatively low, they indicate an ongoing concern that requires attention from local law enforcement and community support services.
Robbery trends in the city have remained relatively stable, with annual cases ranging from zero to three. The highest number of robberies (3) occurred in 2013, 2015, and 2016. The robbery rate per 1,000 people peaked at 0.56 in 2013. The city's contribution to state robbery statistics was highest in 2016 at 0.1%. These figures suggest that while robbery is present, it is not a dominant form of violent crime in the area.
Aggravated assault has consistently been the most prevalent form of violent crime in the city. The number of cases ranged from 9 to 21 annually, with the highest count of 21 occurring in 2021. The rate per 1,000 people for aggravated assault reached its peak at 4.4 in 2021. The city's share of state aggravated assault cases was highest in 2021 at 0.25%. This trend indicates that aggravated assault remains a significant concern for local law enforcement and community safety initiatives.
Examining correlations between violent crime and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. There appears to be a moderate correlation between population density and violent crime rates. As population density increased from 568 per square mile in 2010 to a peak of 687 in 2018, violent crime rates showed some fluctuation but generally remained within a consistent range. The racial composition of the city, which has remained relatively stable with a near-even split between Black and White residents, does not show a strong correlation with violent crime trends.
Applying predictive models to forecast violent crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a potential stabilization or slight decrease in overall violent crime rates. This prediction is based on the recent downward trend in population and the relatively consistent crime rates observed in recent years. However, aggravated assault may continue to be the predominant form of violent crime, potentially accounting for 75-80% of all violent incidents.
In summary, Brent has experienced fluctuating but generally manageable levels of violent crime over the past decade. The most significant concern remains aggravated assault, while other forms of violent crime occur less frequently. The relationship between population changes and crime rates, particularly the recent population decline, may play a role in shaping future crime trends. As the city moves forward, focused efforts on reducing aggravated assaults and maintaining the low rates of other violent crimes will be crucial for ensuring community safety and well-being.
