Homeland Security Leaving the Homeland Unsecured: Reasons for the Rise in Crime

When President Bill Clinton took office he was faced with some of the worst crime statistics in US history. Cities throughout the United States were facing ever increasing drug trafficking and gang problem. Understanding that for large cities and communities to flourish with the coming technology boom, these cities had to be inhabitable by the soon to be called "Yuppies." Hence, a program was started to bolster the nation's state and local law enforcement agencies. This program dedicated over $20 Billion with a goal to add over 10,000 (ten thousand) police officers to the streets of the nation. Prior to leaving office he had earmarked the funds for the continuation of this program.

Now we move to the post 9/11 Bush Administration. These funds were completely stopped after 9/11 to establish the Department of Homeland Security and fund the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. How safe are our streets now? The FBI recently published its crimes statistics for 2005 and the numbers are grim. Violent crimes throughout the US are up to numbers pre 1995 and analysts are saying that if something isn't done '07 will see an even larger increase.

The Problem

Since 2001 when the added federal assistance program was stopped, the aging police departments throughout the nation are losing three police officer's to retirement to a mere .5 new police officers which are being hired. This is leaving many local and state law enforcement agencies low on personnel and also with fewer seasoned veterans. In addition, without the federal assistance many municipalities don't have the funds for the overtime required to make up for the loss on officers.