Introduction

We have compiled together statistical information on certain crimes within two separate territories that are in a relatively close range. Both ranges carry a significant impact on one another and this is our attempt to show this, using factual findings. To begin, the specific territories are Modesto, California and Stockton, California, both of which are based in two different counties and neighbors one another. They both carry high crime rates; however, their economic stability is a huge factor in stabilizing the current crime rates and reducing the amount of heinous crimes that occur. Three main crimes that will be used to compare Modesto and Stockton are sex, thefts (burglaries) and murders. To help see the comparable data between each city, we have designed a data table that compares the yearly statistics to each specific crime and the city they were committed in. Both cities have an interesting historical background. To help understand the devastation that of each these crimes create, a brief history of the founding of each flourishing city is to be explored.
Stockton and Modesto are 33 miles apart and are separated by numerous country roads. Much of the gang and criminal activity can go, largely, unnoticed given the convenience of this form of cover. Home invasions can occur in these remote areas and are a haven for criminals to commit such crimes as sexual assaults, burglaries and murder. However, these criminal acts usually occur within city limits and can happen in a place where the criminal does not live or frequent. Some predators will venture into other counties to commit crimes, in order to elude recognition or capture.
There are task forces in effect trying to reduce criminal and gang activity. County authorities, the U.S Marshall, and a federal task force are fighting to reduce our current crime rates.

History

Stockton
Stockton, California was founded in 1849 by a German immigrant named Charles M. Weber. Mr. Weber had acquired over 48,000 acres through a Mexican land grant to make unsuccessful attempts at gold-mining. Several names attributed to Stockton include Tuleburg, Gas City and Mudville. The city was officially named after Commodore Robert F. Stockton, a naval officer who was responsible for driving the Mexican forces out of California in the 1840’s. It became the first city in California to receive a name that was not Spanish or Native American. The City of Stockton was officially incorporated on July 23rd, 1850. By 1854, Stockton was the fourth largest city in California and today is the main seat of San Joaquin County with a population of 296,357 (Bureau) (Population).

The Port of Stockton opened in 1933 as the first inland seaport in California. Ships from all over the world arrive at the inland port located in the heart of the nation’s richest agricultural area.
The legendary Delta, created by the confluence of several rivers and many man-made channels, is what in many ways defines Stockton and surrounding communities (Bureau). Stockton has been home to the University of the Pacific since 1924 and has also supplied an off-site campus for California University Stanislaus. Stockton has been culturally and ethnically diverse since its beginning as a muddy-street gold-rush camp. The city has always had a diverse ethnic community, including a large Chinese, Mexican, Japanese and Filipino population. All these groups have contributed significantly to the development and degradation of the city (Bureau).
Modesto
Modesto became the end of the Central Pacific Railroad line on November 8, 1870 and was incorporated as a municipal city on August 6, 1884. Modesto was originally to be named Ralston, to honor William Chapman Ralston, the director of the Central Pacific Railroad.
When he objected, the town was named Modesto, a Spanish word meaning modest, after Ralston’s modesty. In the 1880’s, new homes were built east of downtown. Today, the Mchenry Mansion, built by Robert McHenry in 1882-83, is the last of those homes and remains in its original state (Modesto). By 1910, Modesto’s population was estimated at 4,500. The City father’s referred to the young community as “the most metropolitan and classy of its size in California”. Modesto soon became known as the “Rose City” and the “Garden City” due to its many rose-bushes and well-manicured lawns. In 1912, the downtown Modesto Arch, located at 9th and I streets was built for $1,200. The illuminating arch holds 668 lights, stands 25 feet high at its center and spans 75 feet across I street (Modesto). Modesto is home to Modesto Junior College, founded in 1921 and is the oldest junior college in the State of California. Ernest and Julio Gallo opened a small winery in 1933, the day prohibition ended.
Now, 75 years later Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery is the largest in the world employing thousands of worker’s in Modesto, Napa and other locations throughout California (Modesto). Today, Modesto’s population is 518,522 (Commerce).

Sex Crimes

Sexual assaults are the ugliest and devastating crimes in the nation. “Rapists often tend to threaten, degrade, violate and criminally deprive victims of their basic human rights” (San Joaquin Delta College).
After a person is sexually assaulted they tend to not feel safe anymore and often lose part of their sanctity. The victims feel helpless and many do not report the crime. Some victims do not report the crime because they are too scared, ashamed and do not fully understand their rights (San Joaquin Delta College). Being sexually assaulted is a violent crime. Approximately 80 percent of rapists use weapons, or they will threaten their victims with violence or death (San Joaquin Delta College). A person who shows they are weak and vulnerable has a higher risk of being a victim for a rapist to assault, but everyone should be on guard because anyone can be sexual assaulted. A person can be sexually assaulted at any time of the day. When I listen to the news or read a newspaper it has indicated that many victims usually know their attacker. After a person has been sexually assaulted they should report the crime immediately. The victim should report the crime to the police or someone that they trust. After a person has been raped they need to do the following: * Get somewhere safe immediately. * Call someone they trust or police to escort them to the hospital. * At the hospital, be checked for external and internal injuries and be tested for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Evidence will then be collected and a person can receive some type of support. * Do not shower, douche, bathe, or clean the area where the rape occurred, this could destroy crucial evidence (San Jouquin Delta College). | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Stockton | 114 | 144 | 141 | 155 | 108 | 109 | 102 | 105 | 112 | 82 | 107 | Modesto | 59 | 104 | 71 | 73 | 67 | 65 | 73 | 65 | 65 | 55 | 62 |

When looking at Stockton and Modesto’s sexual assault crimes that have been reported between 1999 and 2012, Stockton rates are higher than Modesto.
The year of 2009, was Stockton’s lowest report of sexual assault cases; which was at 82. The highest year of reported sexual assaults for Stockton was in 2003, which had 155 reported rapes. Modesto’s lowest year of reports of sexual assault was 2009 with 55, whereas, the highest number for Modesto was in 2001 with 104 reported cases.

Burglary Crimes

Although the precise definition of a crime and the required elements vary from state to state, burglary is generally defined as breaking and entering into a building with the intent to commit a crime (Total Crimial Defense). Whether the burglary is a felony or misdemeanor depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, residential burglaries are more likely to be charged as felonies, and may be classified as more serious felonies if there are people in the dwelling at the time of the burglary.
Burglary of commercial buildings is generally considered less serious and often results in misdemeanor charges, unless the building in question affords greater protection under law, such as a bank or pharmacy. The average prison sentence for burglary in the federal criminal system is 2.5 years (Total Crimial Defense).

| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Stockton | 2,500 | 2,811 | 2,965 | 3,125 | 3,067 | 3,434 | 3,836 | 4,054 | 4,353 | 3,980 | 4,482 | Modesto | 1,760 | 1,829 | 1,819 | 1,743 | 1,857 | 1,742 | 1,762 | 2,216 | 2,398 | 2,291 | 2,171 |

In 1999, Stockton had 2,476 burglaries occur before doubling that number by the year 2010. As you can see from the table, Modesto’s rates gradually ascend, as does Stockton’s rates. However, Modesto’s burglary rate consistently remains half that of Stockton’s burglary rate, throughout the timeline. Something to keep in mind when comparing this data is the population. Modesto, population of 518,522, has almost twice the population of Stockton, population 296, 357, yet, Stockton has twice the amount of burglaries, in comparison (City-Data.com) (City-Data.com).

Murder Crimes

Murder is known as an unlawful killing of another human. Throughout the United States murder is a felony offense. However, the penalties may vary substantially. Murders have a different degree that is put into different categories based on the level.
In each, the penalties and sentences that a person may receive is extremely different. In California, anyone who is convicted of second-degree murder will be sentence to life in prison (CriminalDefenseLawyer.com).
Below are the different types of murder and the penalties:

Criminal Offense | Definition of the Crime | Possible Prison Sentence | Capital Murder | More than one person killed or taking the life of a police officer | Life in prison or death penalty | First Degree Murder | Premeditated with deliberate intent | 25 years to life in prison or death penalty | Second Degree Murder | Reckless indifference or committed during the heat of passion | 2 to 40 years or life in prison with or without possibility of parole | Felony Murder | Person is killed during the commission of a felony, such as armed robbery | 25 years to life in prison or death penalty under certain conditions | Aggravated Murder | Victim was tortured or under age 14 | Life in prison or death penalty for aggravated factors | Manslaughter | Killing a person when only intending to cause serious bodily harm | 2 to 20 years in state prison | Involuntary Manslaughter | Accidentally killing a person | 2 to 4 years in state prison | Vehicular Homicide | Killing someone with your vehicle, intentionally using a vehicle as a deadly weapon | 3 to 15 years for first degree |

| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Stockton | 30 | 30 | 36 | 37 | 40 | 41 | 37 | 29 | 24 | 33 | 49 | Modesto | 3 | 17 | 5 | 17 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 18 | 21 | 10 |

Stockton is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. It has even made the top ten lists for being the most dangerous city. Since 1999, Stockton has had a high murder rate with an average of 32 murders per year. The lowest year for Stockton was in 2008 with 24 murders and the highest year for Stockton murders was 49 in 2010. Stockton’s statistics consistently remain 2 to 3 times higher than those of Modesto, keeping true to Stockton’s reputation as one of the most dangerous cities, nationally.
Modesto remains competitive in murder statistics compared to those of Stockton. The lowest year for Modesto murders was in 2000, with a mere 3 murders, and the highest year for Modesto was in 2009 with 21 reported murder cases.
The following information is the mean, median, mode, and range for Modesto, CA and Stockton, CA for burglaries, murders, and rapes:
Modesto, CA
Burglary Murders Rapes
Mean: 1952.83 Mean: 12.08 Mean: 69.17
Median: 1840 Median: 34.5 Median: 66
Range: 651 Modes: 5, 11, 17 Mode: 65 Range: 18 Range: 49
Stockton, CA
Burglary Murders Rapes
Mean: 3428.58 Mean: 34.83 Mean: 117.42
Median: 154.5 Median: 1.5 Median: 110.5
Range: 2006 Mode: 30, 37 Range: 73 Rage: 25

Modesto, California

Stockton, California

Conclusion Result Implications There are many implications that result from a high crime society. A link between increased crime and poverty has been proven through American government research. Poverty can lead to high levels of stress that in turn may lead individuals to commit theft, robbery or other violent acts. Moreover, poverty may lead to an inferior education, which would cause youth to count on less access to quality schools, jobs, and role models. This increases the probability of youth spending more time on the streets associating with gangs, etc. Many other factors influence crime and are correlated with poverty as well. Higher unemployment would certainly increase poverty. Alarm systems are on the rise for the average American household, as well as, paranoid and depressive behavior associated with the effects of this. Possible Remedies There are various remedies to prevent crime, although it is a tough process. Often, communities are dealing with very dangerous people who are not only trying not to be caught in their criminal activities, but can also respond violently to any involvement by positive members of the community. The strongest method of prevention for a neighbor is simply good observation and reporting of criminal activities and suspicious behavior to the local authorities. Neighborhood Watch groups are highly effective using methods and communication networks to more accurately report any criminal activities at any time of the day. Other tools can help reduce the amount of crime in a neighborhood such as adequate and proper street lighting and home flood lights. Defense sprays, home alarms and CCTV cameras are also useful in keeping oneself safe. Future Predictions The prediction of future crime trends has proven to be a perilous enterprise for criminological researchers. Crime forecasts suggested the continued escalation of crime, violence, youth offending, urban conflict, and urban dangers. Such predictions were based on recent decades, which showed a clear and steady escalation of violence, particularly among juvenile populations. The reality, as we know, was quite different. The decline of the crack cocaine epidemic, coupled with shifting correctional policies, modified policing efforts, renewed community programs, an economic upswing, and a host of other factors, resulted in a dramatic decrease in crime.
Though future levels of offending might be difficult to predict with accuracy, it is possible to be more confident in predicting the nature of future crime problems, as well as the (in) ability of the police to meet such future problems. There is a clear trend toward criminal offending that targets and/or utilizes computers and digital communications technologies (though “good old fashioned” street crime is alive and well). Existing technologies have resulted in the emergence of identity theft, while creating online predation of youth, fraud, the distribution of illicit images, and the distribution of materials protected by copy write, to name a few. Conventional crimes have become more complex such as, using encrypted computer systems to manage the books for organized crime enterprises. Technology will only continue to facilitate the emergence of new and different methods for committing new crimes, as well as, many standard old offenses. Modesto’s crime rate in comparison to the city population has a definite brighter future than Stockton. Since Stockton has been designated one of the top most dangerous places to live; the positive to that is cheaper real estate. However, in recent news there have been numerous raids conducted on many gang-affiliated homes. The U.S Marshall, as well as, federal and county authorities have been working together to decrease local crime and make our city streets safer. Hopefully, Modesto will continue to maintain a control on the local crime rate and not be negatively affected by those criminals trying to relocate and escape from answering for their crimes.

Works Cited
2012. <http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/legal-advice/criminal-defense/crime-penalties/what-the-different-types-murder-charges>.
2012. <http://www.scribd.com/doc/22543335/Crime-affecting-Society>.
Bureau, Stockton Convention and Visitors. Gold Rush to Modern Times, Stockton History Comes Alive. 2011. <http://www.visitstockton.org/about-stockton/our-history>.
City-Data.com. n.d. <http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Stockton-California.html>.
City-Data.com. n.d. <http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Modesto-California.html>.
Commerce, U.S Department of. United States Census Bureau. 18 September 2012. <http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06099.html>.
Modesto, The City of. The City of Modesto California. 2012. <http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/about/history.asp>.
Population. n.d. <http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=kf7tgg1uo9ude_&met_y=population&idim=place:0675000&dl=en&hl=en&q=stockton+ca+population>.
San Jouquin Delta College, District police. n.d. <http://www.deltacollege.edu/dept/police/assault.html>.
Total Crimial Defense. n.d. <http://www.totalcriminaldefense.com/crimes-a-z/property/>.