A Small Texas Town is Suddenly the 3rd Most Dangerous in State

Houston, Dallas, or El Paso may be the first cities that come to mind when considering the most hazardous locations in Texas. However, the most recent crime statistics indicate that a small community in the Panhandle region has surpassed them all. Borger, a community of approximately 12,000 residents, has earned the distinction of being the third most dangerous city in Texas, following only Weslaco and Bellmead.

What Constitutes Borger’s Perilousness?

Borger’s violent crime rate in 2023 was 1,288 per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the state average of 410, as per the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. There was also a property crime rate of 5,367 per 100,000 residents in Borger, which is more than double the state average of 2,343. Borger’s crime rates have experienced a substantial increase since 2020, when they were 867 and 3,895, respectively.

Therefore, what is the cause of this increase in criminal activity? These are a few potential contributors:

Economic decline: The oil and gas industry, which is a significant component of Borger’s economy, has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic and the transition to renewable energy sources. Poverty, unemployment, and desperation have resulted from the loss of numerous positions or the reduction of wages.

Drug trafficking: Borger is situated along Highway 136, which links Amarillo to Oklahoma and Kansas. This provides a convenient pathway for drug traffickers and dealers to import methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl from Mexico and other states. The town’s violence, larceny, and property damage are exacerbated by drug abuse and addiction.

Inadequate law enforcement: The police department in Borger is understaffed and underfunded, which complicates its ability to address the increasing crime rate. The town’s area of 8.43 square miles is not adequately covered by the police department, which has only 24 sworn officers and 10 civilian personnel, as indicated on the city’s website. Additionally, the police department is unable to effectively combat crime due to a lack of modern instruments, training, and technology.

What actions can be taken to enhance the situation?

The crime issue in Borger is not intractable; however, it necessitates immediate and comprehensive action from a variety of stakeholders. Possible resolutions include:

Economic development: Borger must diversify its economy and generate additional employment opportunities for its citizens. This may involve fostering local entrepreneurs and small businesses, investing in education and training, and attracting new businesses. The town’s quality of life and social cohesion would be enhanced, and poverty, unemployment, and inequality would be reduced as a result of economic growth and stability.

Drug prevention and treatment: The municipality of Borger must confront the underlying causes and repercussions of drug abuse and addiction. This may entail the following: enhancing the coordination and cooperation among law enforcement, health care, and social service agencies to combat drug trafficking and use, providing additional resources and support for drug treatment and recovery services, and increasing the availability and accessibility of drug prevention and education programs.

Law enforcement reform: In order to deter and reduce crime, Borger must enhance its law enforcement capacity and performance. This could entail the implementation of additional training and accountability measures for the police force, the provision of additional funding and equipment for the police department, and the diversification of the police force’s civilian staff and officer population. Building trust and collaboration between the police and the community, as well as resolving any issues of bias, corruption, or misconduct, would also be part of law enforcement reform.

In Conclusion

Borger is a small community that is plagued by a significant crime problem. Its violent and property crime statistics are among the highest in Texas and have deteriorated in recent years. Economic decline, drug trafficking, and inadequate law enforcement are the primary factors contributing to this issue. In order to reversal this trend, Borger must execute a comprehensive and coordinated strategy that encompasses economic development, substance prevention and treatment, and law enforcement reform. By doing so, Borger can become a more prosperous and secure location for its residents and visitors.