Texas is a state with a rich history, culture, and diversity, but also a state with some of the highest crime rates in the nation. While some cities in Texas are relatively safe and peaceful, others are plagued by violence, theft, and murder. Among these, one city stands out as the most dangerous of them all: Bellmead.
What Makes Bellmead So Dangerous?
Bellmead is a small city in McLennan County, with a population of about 10,000 people. It is part of the Waco metropolitan area, and its name means “beautiful autumn valley” in French. However, there is nothing beautiful about the crime situation in Bellmead, which has earned the dubious distinction of being one of the 30 most dangerous cities in the United States.
According to the FBI’s 2018 crime report, Bellmead had a violent crime rate of 12.79 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 61.96 per 1,000 residents. This means that residents of Bellmead faced a 1 in 4 chance of being a victim of theft or arson, and a 1 in 78 chance of being a victim of murder, rape, robbery, or assault. These rates are significantly higher than the state and national averages, and put Bellmead at the top of the list of the most dangerous cities in Texas.
Some of the factors that contribute to the high crime rate in Bellmead are poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of law enforcement resources. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Bellmead was $35,833 in 2019, which is lower than the state average of $61,874. The poverty rate was 23.4%, which is higher than the state average of 13.7%. The unemployment rate was 6.2%, which is higher than the state average of 4.5%. These economic hardships create a fertile ground for crime and violence.
Another factor that fuels crime in Bellmead is the presence of gangs, such as the Aryan Circle, the Tangos, and others. These gangs are involved in various illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, extortion, and murder. They often clash with each other over territory, money, and power, resulting in shootings, stabbings, and bombings. The gang problem in Bellmead is so severe that the Texas Department of Public Safety has designated it as a “gang threat area” since 2010.
A third factor that makes Bellmead dangerous is the lack of adequate law enforcement resources. The Bellmead Police Department has only 22 officers, which is not enough to patrol the city and respond to the high volume of calls. The department also faces budget constraints, equipment shortages, and low morale. The police chief, Lydia Alvarado, has admitted that the department is “overwhelmed” and “understaffed” and that they need more help from the county, the state, and the federal government.
What Can Be Done To Improve The Situation?
The situation in Bellmead is not hopeless, and there are some efforts being made to improve the safety and quality of life of the residents. Some of these efforts include:
Community policing: The Bellmead Police Department has implemented a community policing strategy, which involves building trust and cooperation with the residents, engaging in problem-solving, and providing crime prevention education. The department also organizes events, such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, and Citizens Police Academy, to foster positive relationships with the community.
Crime Stoppers: The Bellmead Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that offers rewards for anonymous tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of criminals. The organization also raises awareness and funds for crime prevention and victim assistance programs. The Crime Stoppers hotline is 254-753-HELP.
Neighborhood watch: The Bellmead Neighborhood Watch is a volunteer group that works with the police to monitor and report suspicious activities, deter crime, and enhance security in the neighborhoods. The group also holds meetings, workshops, and social events to promote community involvement and awareness.
Youth programs: The Bellmead Youth Program is a partnership between the city, the police, and the local schools, that provides recreational, educational, and mentoring opportunities for the youth. The program aims to prevent juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, and gang involvement, and to develop positive values and skills among the young people.
Conclusion
Bellmead is the most dangerous city in Texas, and one of the most dangerous cities in the country, due to its high rates of violent and property crime. The city faces many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of law enforcement resources, that contribute to the crime problem. However, there are also some efforts being made to improve the situation, such as community policing, crime stoppers, neighborhood watch, and youth programs, that involve the cooperation and participation of the residents, the police, and other stakeholders. Bellmead may not be a safe place to live or visit right now, but it has the potential to become a better and safer place in the future.