"Budget Enthusiast"
(A name given to me by the City Controller since I regularly attend the Council Meetings and 14 Budget Hearings)

Crime in South Bend

So far, I haven't met anyone that hasn't been affected by the crime in our City. I lived here for 20 years before I heard a gunshot. Now people no longer consider it "Breaking News". I hear from those in the Senior group I volunteer with they are sometimes afraid to even leave their homes during the day.

Crime is a complex problem that will need multiple solutions: Prevention, Enforcement, Follow-up

Below is a Checklist I put together for the Seniors I volunteer with to help them be more safe. I also shared it with the South Bend Neighborhood Watch. You may find it useful as well.
The Neighborhood Watch meets monthly the first Thursday of the month at the main South Bend Police Headquarters on Sample Street at 6:45 pm. You can sign up to get a phone notification about the meetings.
On Site Prayer Ministries, Mama's Against Violence, H.O.T. Hear Our Tears are some local organizations who assist people touched by the violence in our community.
I asked our Police Chief what would assist the officers to make them more effective. Here are some of the things he mentioned:
  • More officers (Statistically South Bend is understaffed for the level of crime)
  • License Plate Cameras
  • More Armadillo Units
  • Drones
  • Mobile IP cameras
  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras
  • Have more citizens offer video footage
  • Stronger prosecution
  • More Shot Spotter Coverage
  • Continued outreach and in-reach to the community 

These are items he would like included in the Budget or implemented. He says there are a lot of resources and information on their website for the community.
"We had a 113% decrease in part 1 crimes in 2018 = 9.4% average decrease every month in 2018." Chief Scott Ruszkowski
NOTE: Check SB City Statistics for changes since 2016. We are understaffed for the level of crime.
Overall Economic Impact
  • People leave for safer areas to live and work
  • New people don't move in
  • Businesses don't open up in high crime areas
  • Parents leave schools for safer areas for their children
  • Insurance Rates are higher
  • Emergency Room Costs rise
  • Higher cost for First Responders

In Milwaukee the factored in all the expenses that occur with a shooting. Cost per shooting in Milwaukee is $700,000.  I'm not sure what it is in South Bend, but I have asked multiple times for it to be calculated so we know the full impact on our budgets. ​
What leads to more crime?
  • Increased Poverty Levels
  • Families without the support they need
  • When there are over 15-20% Renters, people are not vested in the neighborhood
  • Drug addiction
  • Children without strong parental presence and mentors
  • Lack of early childhood education for reading skills
NOTE: "Racial Wealth Divide" was a study paid for by the City of South Bend.
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NOTE: 100 = SAFEST, South Bend has a 3 Safety Rating
Source of all of the above graphs: NeighborhoodScout.com
Consider: Officers Responding, Medical Costs for Treatment, Investigative Crime Unit, Housing and Booking Suspects in the City/County Jails, Prosecuting Fees, Court Appointed Attorneys, Autopsies, Forensic Lab Costs, Sentencing, 15 year jail term on average.  So take 2 shootings per week x $700,000 cost and you have an approximate cost to taxpayers of $36,400,000 just for shootings alone.  The spiritual heartache and disruption to lives is even harder to calculate.
Ideas I am suggesting
  • Offer "Stop the Bleed" to more people in our community (Training on how to stop gunshot wound bleeding)
  • Increase life skill classes
  • Parenting classes in all the neighborhoods
  • Teach deescalation methods 
  • Increased neighborhood cleanup and maintenance
  • Analyze crime heat maps 
  • Offer home and small business security recommendations
  • Work on high rise security
  • Make sure area program for Pre-K are fully funded
  • Teach Goals programs

I think prevention is better than dealing with the end results.
It is my goal as an Advocate to involve YOU in the process. 

If these are your priorities, I need your VOTE and Donations!

My campaign is a grassroots one. Donations are appreciated and helpful!
NOTE: My donation app is by ActBlue. Your receipts will come from them.