NM should evaluate itself to determine sources of crime

Editor,

We all value the diversity of New Mexico, particularly at UNM. Multiculturalism is a valued perspective and appears to be sought after across the board. If we evaluate issues affecting our state in terms of productive versus nonproductive activities, perhaps we can identify and determine which aspects of diversity and multiculturalism are an end or a means to an end.

Employment and crime are concepts that are generally assigned identical values despite cultural differences. Unemployment in New Mexico is comparatively low at 4.3 percent whereas the Unites States' unemployment rate ranges from 3.2 percent to 9.6 percent. The income per capita in New Mexico is in line with Alabama, Mississippi, Utah and Kentucky, but when comparing neighboring states (Arizona and Texas) and states with similar unemployment rates (Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming), we see a variance and trend.

This trend indicates that New Mexico has a significantly higher crime rate as reported by the uniform law enforcement data documented in The Disaster Center's 2007 Uniform Crime Report. These data suggest that New Mexico lags behind its neighboring states and states with similar unemployment rates relative to crime control. This suggests that state and local governments are less effective in New Mexico. New Mexico ranks as No. 5 in murder rates across the U.S. Violent crime rates and forcible rape also follow this trend. New Mexico has a higher violent crime rate and a higher forcible rape rate than any of the states mentioned in this comparison.

What is it about New Mexico that results in such a difference? Is conjecture and theory productive in an attempt to explain? Is state government and law enforcement less capable, or is the available funding for law enforcement less in New Mexico? According to the data presented by the U.S. Census Bureau's 2009 Statistical Abstract on Law Enforcement, Crime and Prisons, New Mexico funding for law enforcement is mid-range or better in comparison with these same states.

We are all inundated almost daily by the media with the disturbing news of murders, drunk driving crashes, bank robberies and domestic violence. When the economy worsens, common sense says that crime will increase. Crime was already higher in New Mexico before the economy went south. Everyone has accepted that the economy is worse and will not be getting better in the near future. What are the other variables, then, that should be examined in an effort to explain the increased incidence of violent crime in an effort to deter further increases?

If culture is indeed a factor, what are the cultural attitudes and biases that should be examined in order to determine an effective strategy to deter crime? With reference to awareness, our state should engage in a self-evaluative process to become and remain aware of personal beliefs and values influencing our environment.

Dixon Duval

UNM staff