Gresham’s No. 1

Police chief cites errors in reporting that led to distinction as Oregon’s crime capital

By Mara Stine

The Gresham Outlook, Nov 24, 2009, Updated Nov 25, 2009 (8 Reader comments)

According to a new report, Gresham is the most dangerous city in Oregon.

Gresham Police Chief Craig Junginger says incorrectly categorized police reports, as well as the city’s higher-than-usual homicide rate for 2008, are to blame.

Washington, D.C.-based CQ Press examined last year’s FBI statistics for murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft to determine its 16th annual crime rankings. The list includes cities of at least 75,000 residents reporting crime data to the FBI.

Gresham ranked 157th nationally, but is No. 1 in Oregon, followed by Portland (173rd nationally), Eugene (190th), Salem (230th), Bend (337th), Hillsboro (345th) and Beaverton (347th).

Camden, N.J., has the dubious honor of first place, followed by St. Louis; Oakland, Calif.; and Flint, Mich. As for safe cities, Colonie, N.Y, came in first, followed by Amherst, N.Y., Mission Viejo, Calif.; Irvine, Calif.; and Ramapo, N.Y.

Junginger said two things pushed Gresham to the top of the list of Oregon’s most dangerous cities.

1 | 2 Next Page >>

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit