Congratulations to Detroit, Michigan: you have won the not-so-prestigious title of “Most Dangerous City,” edging out runner-up St. Louis, Missouri by a few rapes, murders, shootings, robberies…

Actually, there’s no way to determine why a particular city gets chosen as the most dangerous, as specifics are not given - unless you purchase the report.

CQ Press, the publisher of the list, sets the nation aflame every year with bold statements on big cities, collecting cash from anybody willing to pony up dollars for the dangerous details. They also publish a list of “Safest Cities,” but their main attraction is the mayor-baiting list of danger zones.

The report is based on studies taken in cities with over 75,000 residents. Each statistic - rape, homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, etc. - is weighed individually, with more emphasis on the harder crimes.

Most Dangerous U.S. Cities:

1. Detroit, Michigan
2. St. Louis, Missouri
3. Flint, Michigan
4. Oakland, California
5. Camden, New Jersey

Safest U.S. Cities:

1. Mission Viejo, California
2. Clarkstown, New York
3. Brick Township, New Jersey
4. Amherst, New York
5. Sugar Land, Texas

When criticized about their list, CQ Press stays neutral, side-stepping any blame. From the Associated Press interview with Doug Goldenberg-Hart, acquisitions editor at CQ:

“The idea that people oppose it, it’s kind of blaming the messenger,” Goldenberg-Hart said. “It’s not coming to terms with the idea that crime is a persistent problem in our society.”

Capitalizing off the FBI’s crime statistics list, using it as a scare tactic is something I have a hard time coming to terms with. Communities need unity, not notoriety.