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In the last few years, there has been a decrease in the total crime rate in Tallahassee, but this year there has been an increase in shootings alone, forcing students and residents to wonder, is it still safe?
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, there were 89 shootings with 63 injuries and 15 deaths in 2022.
The increase in shootings has caused the city to have a lower rating in safety. As determined by Crimegrade.org, “The C- grade means the crime rate is slightly higher than the average US city. Tallahassee is in the 33rd percentile for safety, meaning 67% of cities are safer and 33% more dangerous.”
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) out-of-state student Rainelle Riggins is concerned for her safety.
“My apartment got shot into, back in November of 2021, and I remember being terrified. For weeks after that, I was scared to be in my house, fearing it would happen again,” Riggins said. “I’ve moved now, but I always had my guard up after that, and any loud sound or disturbance made me duck just in case. At one point around covid and when everyone was in-between being let out of lockdown, I believe the crime was very high. I feel safe now that I have moved to a better neighborhood, but I feel more vulnerable at night.”
With Tallahassee having frequent shootings, many individuals are worried that the police department is not doing all that it can to protect residents. Although, residents also understand that there is only so much safety enforcement can do to get citizens to behave accordingly.
FAMU student Alexis Thornton expressed her thoughts on the increasing gun violence incidents.
“I’ve been in Tallahassee. This August made one year,” Thornton said. “I feel like shooting has increased, but that’s everywhere. I feel like the police could do a lot more when it comes to the crime rate. The President at one point talked about banning guns to decrease gun violence and murders, but I feel everyone has a mind of their own, and there will never be enough police officers to help decrease the crime rate. It’s more murders in the world than the cops.”
If the shooting continues to increase at this rate, many individuals will question their safety and the safety of their loved ones in Tallahassee.