Crime and Pollution in Panama City

Crime Data in Panama City

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Panama City exhibits a moderate level of crime, with public safety being a topic of varied opinions among residents. Despite improvements in some areas, concerns about increasing crime rates continue to rise.

Public safety perceptions show people feel significantly safer during daylight hours, but there remains caution during the night.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes represent a relatively low concern, as many respondents indicate less worry about their homes being broken into or cars being stolen compared to other threats.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related problems are not viewed as a severe threat by the majority of Panama City's residents, hinting at effective management or lower visibility of such issues.
• Violent Crimes - Fear of violent crimes, including assault and robbery, is present but not overwhelmingly so. The perception appears to be that these crimes occur but are manageable.
• Public Safety - During daylight, residents generally feel secure with regard to personal safety. However, a decrease in perceived safety at night persists, citing concerns about potential mugging or other crimes.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - A significant concern is the growing perception that crime rates are increasing, notably influenced by worries about corruption and bribery which affect public trust in local institutions.
• Specific Fears - While general fear regarding violent crime is moderate, specific incidents and the potential for corruption-related issues are burdensome to some residents, emphasizing a need for transparent and effective measures.

Summary of Crime in Panama City

Crime Rankings

Panama City ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Panama. The crime ranking by city for Panama is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Panama City

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Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Panama City faces challenges with air quality and pollution, though improvements are being made. Traffic and urbanization contribute significantly to these issues, affecting everyday life.

While the air quality registers as moderate, a focus on reducing particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10 is essential to protect public health.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The concentration of PM2.5, a harmful air pollutant, requires attention as it edges towards levels that could impact vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Levels of PM10 are considerably higher than PM2.5, presenting a persistent challenge in managing overall air pollution and ensuring healthier living conditions.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is pronounced in Panama City, with busy streets and urban activity contributing significantly to the ambient noise levels.

A major issue affecting the quality of life in Panama City is dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services, highlighting the need for improved waste management systems.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Residents express significant dissatisfaction with garbage disposal processes, which impacts perceptions of cleanliness and overall urban management.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light disturbances are frequent, particularly in densely populated central areas, posing challenges for comfortable living and night-time peace.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

While Panama City is growing, maintaining the quality of green spaces and parks remains crucial. These areas are vital for recreation and alleviating urban stressors.

The city's water quality continues to be a positive aspect, with strong public satisfaction regarding its accessibility and cleanliness.

• Green and Parks Quality - Despite the urban sprawl, efforts to preserve green spaces show mixed effectiveness, with some residents calling for more attention and development.
• Drinking Water Quality - The drinking water quality in Panama City is commendable, with high satisfaction reported by many residents, emphasizing its role as a core urban asset.

Pollution Rankings

Panama City ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Panama. The pollution ranking for Panama is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Panama City

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