According to the 2009 Stark Poll, crime and safety concerns ranked second among Stark County’s most important problems. The crime rate reported in any jurisdiction is affected by many variables. Among the variables are economics, mental health, substance abuse and the capacity of the law enforcement and judicial systems to investigate and prosecute. Residents, in interviews and various community forums, have called for greater police interaction with the community. Local law enforcement officials state that crime occurs when there is a greater opportunity for success. Deterrence, to a degree, will affect the level of crime.
Local law enforcement and criminal justice system personnel repeatedly state that the abuse of drugs and alcohol and economic conditions are common factors associated with crime. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction 2008 Intake Survey for Stark County states that 80 percent of the responding inmates said they had abused drugs; 64 percent reported abusing alcohol in the last six months; and 46 percent reported being unemployed at the time of incarceration.
Connected to the issue of drugs is the problem of gangs. Community leaders report that gangs and drugs are consistently mentioned as significant issues related to crime. According to the Gang Taskforce, currently there are five to eight active organized gangs in Stark County with approximately 20 more less organized gang-like groups. In response to the issue of gangs, community organizations and residents are helping to raise awareness both politically and throughout affected neighborhoods.
Juvenile offenses, like adult crime, are more prevalent in the urban areas than in the rural or suburban areas of the county. Disparities exist based on geography, gender and race. These disparities are evident particularly with African-American/black students. The increasing numbers of girls charged is of concern. Additionally, the Stark County Family Court and the Community Corrections Facility (CCF) reported family discord and substance abuse as factors contributing to juvenile offenses.
When the juvenile would benefit, Stark County Family Court is moving away from strictly punitive measures to interventionist measures. The court assesses juveniles to determine the root cause(s) of the offending behavior. These assessments provide the court a basis for determining appropriate interventions.
Also important is the social environment surrounding reentry. Jobs and housing are the primary concern and difficulty for people reentering the community. There is a reentry program in Stark County to help both adults and juveniles transition from incarceration to society. Contact with members of the reentry team enable the justice system to monitor and help support individuals reentering the community. However, Stark County, like many other places, suffers from a lack of capacity to handle the increasing case loads.
FBI Uniform Crime Reports
Supreme Court of Ohio Publications and Reports
Stark County Family Court
Stark County Court of Common Pleas |
