Hartford, Connecticut has been experiencing a notable surge in violent crimes, specifically homicides, over recent years, with the year 2022 having seen the most homicides in almost two decades. The number of killings in Hartford in 2022 was 39, more than twice those in New Haven and Bridgeport, both larger cities. The majority of these homicides were the result of petty disputes ending in deadly gunfire. For instance, almost 40% of the homicides in 2022 were traced back to personal disagreements, which ranged from verbal altercations to disagreements over a car accident or incidents in hotel rooms.
The city’s police department has found it challenging to prevent these crimes because they often arise quickly and unpredictably from these minor disputes. Furthermore, many of the incidents involve multiple fatalities. For example, there were instances where two brothers were killed in the same incident, and a triple homicide occurred during a Father’s Day shootout.
In 2021, illegal drugs were a significant cause of both deadly and nonfatal shootings. As a result, the police focused on drug-related violence and conducted an increased number of narcotics searches in 2022, which led to a 29% decrease in drug-related shootings that year1.
Crime Rate of Hartford, CT
Hartford’s crime rate significantly surpasses the national average, encompassing a broad spectrum of American communities from the most populous to the smallest. While the city’s crime rate stands at 26 incidents per thousand residents, it does not rank among the locales with the most extreme crime rates. In Hartford, the probability of falling victim to either violent or property crime is 1 in 38. According to FBI crime data, Hartford does not feature among America’s safest cities. Compared to other Connecticut cities and towns of various sizes, Hartford’s crime rate surpasses 89% of them.
It’s crucial to note that Hartford’s crime rate, encompassing both violent and property crimes, is significantly higher than average when compared to similarly populated communities. Regardless of Hartford’s standing compared to American communities of all sizes, its crime rate per thousand residents is notably higher than most when compared to communities of similar population size.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the specifics of violent crimes in Hartford, followed by property crimes. This is key because understanding whether violent crime or property crimes (or both) are the main contributors can provide more insight into Hartford’s overall crime rate.
According to Neighborhood Scout, violent crime in Hartford occurs at a rate surpassing most communities of all population sizes in America. The probability of an individual becoming a victim of a violent crime in Hartford, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is 1 in 208, equating to a rate of 5 per thousand residents.
Interestingly, based on the FBI’s reported number of murders and the city’s population, their analysis indicates that Hartford endures one of the higher murder rates in the nation compared to cities and towns of all population sizes.
The study also highlights that Hartford’s property crime rate is 22 per thousand residents. This positions Hartford as a city where the likelihood of becoming a property crime victim, compared to all other American communities of varying population sizes, is above average. Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. In Hartford, your chance of falling victim to any of these crimes is one in 46.
FBI crime data shows that Hartford has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation. This is in comparison to communities of all sizes, from the smallest to the largest. If you reside in Hartford, the odds of your car being stolen are one in 260.
Worst Neighborhoods in Hartford, CT
The neighborhoods in Hartford, CT, considered to be the most dangerous in 2023 based on the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people are:
- South Green: With a population of 2,837, it has a violent crime rate of 1,367 crimes per 100k people, which is 186% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Clay Arsenal: With a population of 7,225, it has a violent crime rate of 1,363 crimes per 100k people, which is 185% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Parkville: With a population of 5,314, it has a violent crime rate of 1,323 crimes per 100k people, which is 177% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- South Meadows: With a population of 1,379, it has a violent crime rate of 1,314 crimes per 100k people, which is 175% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Barry Square: With a population of 15,301, it has a violent crime rate of 1,240 crimes per 100k people, which is 160% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Frog Hollow: With a population of 8,995, it has a violent crime rate of 1,205 crimes per 100k people, which is 152% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- North East: With a population of 10,978, it has a violent crime rate of 1,176 crimes per 100k people, which is 146% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Upper Albany: With a population of 7,103, it has a violent crime rate of 1,157 crimes per 100k people, which is 142% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Behind The Rocks: With a population of 8,926, it has a violent crime rate of 1,033 crimes per 100k people, which is 116% more crime than Hartford’s average.
- Asylum Hill: With a population of 9,807, it has a violent crime rate of 935 crimes per 100k people, which is 96% more crime than Hartford’s average.
How Hartford’s Police Department and other Communities are Making a Difference
The Hartford City community and their police department are eager to ensure that they do not continue on the current pace.
State police reinforcements were sent to help local Hartford detectives follow leads, review incidents, and track the stolen vehicles used in violent crimes. This year, the police department has expanded and assigned a team of detectives to work as a shooting response team. In addition, the team has weekly intelligence meetings and review meetings with top command staff the morning after any shooting incident. Arrests and convictions have been made in most of the high-profile violent crimes in the area, most notably the gunning down of a three-year-old toddler.
Community-based violent crime prevention groups are also keen to supplement the efforts of the police to make Hartford City safer. For example, groups like Hartford Communities That Care and COMPASS Peacebuilders have increased their staffing. As a result, they are likely to obtain federal funding from the president’s new gun violence prevention program that aims to send relief money to such organizations.
Here are some of the Locations in Hartford, CT:
Hartford Police Department:
Address: 253 High St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone Number: +18607574000
Website: http://www.hartford.gov/police
Hartford Communities That Care:
Address: 2550 Main St, Hartford, CT 06120
Phone Number: +18607241223
Website: http://www.hartfordctc.org/
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11 Asylum St, Suite 512 Hartford CT 06103,
(860) 420-2245
