Memorandum

To: Agency Supervisor

From: [Your Name]

Date: [Actual Date]

Re: Crime Report for 2019 - 2022

Charleston is a midsized city with a rich history, diversified culture, and moderate crime.

Charles Town, founded in 1670, became a colonial center of trade, agriculture, and slaves. The

Dock Street Theatre and Charleston Museum maintain Charleston's architectural and artistic

legacy from the American Revolution and the Civil War. Charleston, with a population of

150,000 and a metropolitan area of 800,000, remains a significant port and tourist attraction

known for its culinary diversity and Rainbow Row.

Charleston has a crime rate slightly higher than the national average but lower than the state

average. The crime rate dropped 11% from 2021 to 2022 and 25% from 2019 to 2022,
demonstrating a favorable trend (U.S. News, 2020). Property crimes, including theft, burglary,

and motor vehicle theft, outnumber violent crimes in the city. The year-to-date (YTD), 90-day,

and 30-day nonviolent crime trends show stability, with stealing being the most common.

Although lower than the national average, the city's nonviolent crime rate could be better than

the state average.

Violent crime trends in Charleston are more complex. Overall, violent crime is falling,

demonstrating progress. Since assault accounts for most violent crimes (Chambliss, 2018), it

remains a problem. Comparative research versus national and state norms shows that Charleston

has reduced violent crime, but ongoing difficulties require continuing efforts.

Burglary and arson are targeted in unfavorable nonviolent crime trends. City security must

be reviewed due to the 213% rise in burglaries from YTD to the 30 days. The recurrence of arson

crimes suggests antagonism and vandalism, endangering public safety. Despite these concerns,

nonviolent crime rates dropped 11% from 2021 to 2022, demonstrating the city's dedication to

public safety.

Robberies and shootings are rising, requiring a targeted response. The 200% increase in 30-

day robberies implies safety and protection concerns. The frequent shootings emphasize the need

for firearm-related violence prevention efforts. However, the city's violent crime rate dropped

13% from 2021 to 2022, demonstrating its progress.

Nonviolent crime rates are constant, with stealing leading to reported incidents. However,

the minor rise in burglaries requires concentrated prevention (Clarke, 2016). Contrasting violent

crime rates show an improving trend, with assault remaining a major worry.
 In conclusion, crime trends in Charleston, South Carolina, show a city with a rich history

that struggles with public safety. The data-driven analysis highlights the need for focused

initiatives to address specific crime categories, supporting the city's commitment to improving

residents' and tourists' well-being.

 References

Chambliss, W. J. (2018). Power, politics and crime. Routledge.

Clarke, R. V. (2016). Situational crime prevention. In Environmental criminology and crime

analysis (pp. 305-322). Routledge.

U.S. News. (2020). Charleston, SC, Crime Rate & Safety | U.S. News.

https://realestate.usnews.com/places/south-carolina/charleston/crime