Crime and Pollution in San Juan

Crime Data in San Juan

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, San Juan, Puerto Rico faces significant challenges in terms of crime. The city struggles with high levels of concern over violent and property crimes, with much of the public worried about safety, particularly at night.

The perception of crime is increasing, adding to the pressures on local law enforcement and community welfare initiatives.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - In San Juan, property crimes such as vehicle theft and home break-ins are prevalent issues. Citizens express considerable anxiety over the frequency of these crimes, which contribute to their overall apprehension about living and working in the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related issues are a major concern for the residents of San Juan. The pervasive nature of drug-related crimes impacts neighborhood safety and creates a barrier to improving community relations and trust in public safety measures.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are a significant concern in San Juan, with residents expressing particular fear of being mugged or physically attacked. The high rates of violent incidents put pressure on emergency services and affect the community's overall sense of security.
• Public Safety - While San Juan residents feel somewhat safe during daylight hours, their sense of security declines sharply at night. Many attribute this to the increasing rates of crime and insufficient lighting or policing in certain areas.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime is on the rise is a common sentiment across San Juan. Many believe that issues related to corruption and bribery in local governance exacerbate crime rates, hindering effective law enforcement and community-adopted safety protocols.
• Specific Fears - Residents have specific fears concerning car theft, muggings, and drug-related crimes. While there is less concern about being victimized based on race or religion, the high level of crime overall creates an atmosphere of unease and insecurity.

Summary of Crime in San Juan

Despite the challenges, efforts to improve security and reduce crime in San Juan must remain a priority. Addressing corruption, improving law enforcement visibility, and strengthening community programs are essential steps towards enhancing public safety.

Crime Rankings

San Juan ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Puerto Rico. The crime ranking by city for Puerto Rico 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. San Juan

Puerto Rico

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

San Juan's air quality has shown moderate improvement, although pollution levels remain a subject of concern among residents. The city's proximity to coastal and industrial areas affects overall air quality, with periodic issues related to pollution spikes.

Residents express a moderate level of satisfaction with air quality but recognize the need for continued environmental conservation efforts to ensure long-term improvement.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - San Juan reports minimal levels of PM2.5, suggesting that fine particulate matter is not a major concern at present. Continued monitoring is required to maintain and enhance these positive results.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels in San Juan are low, indicating that coarse particulate matter poses less of a risk to public health under current conditions.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management and noise pollution are areas of mixed satisfaction in San Juan, with particular issues noted in densely populated or under-resourced areas.

Noise pollution, driven by urban development and traffic, significantly impacts quality of life, while waste management practices receive better feedback but still have areas needing attention.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Residents generally express satisfaction with garbage disposal services, although improvements in specific localities could enhance satisfaction across the board.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution is a notable problem in San Juan, particularly near high-traffic areas and nightlife hubs. This ongoing issue affects residential quality of life and requires strategic urban planning solutions.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green spaces are less appreciated in San Juan, with citizens indicating room for enhancement in parks and recreational areas. Improving these spaces could significantly boost urban livability.

The quality of drinking water in San Juan is commendable, with residents expressing high satisfaction over its accessibility and purity, which contributes positively to the overall quality of life.

• Green and Parks Quality - There is a notable demand for improvement in the quality and availability of green and park areas across San Juan, which could serve as a major selling point for urban enhancement initiatives.
• Drinking Water Quality - San Juan boasts commendable drinking water quality, offering residents confidence in water safety and availability, making it a consistent asset for the city.