Prattville Progress
Autauga and Elmore counties have a crime problem, though it is more a problem of perception than anything else.
According to the 2002 Uniform Crime Reports released last week by the FBI, the two counties are part of an area that has the highest crime rate in the state. The Montgomery Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Autauga and Elmore counties, saw more than 6,771 crimes committed per 100,000 people in 2002. That was, by far, the highest crime index among the state's 11 MSA's. Anniston was closest, with just over 5,840 crimes per 100,000
The high crime index for the Montgomery MSA is fueled by crime within the city of Montgomery. Of the 22,752 crimes in the MSA in 2002, 17,617 were committed in Montgomery. For example, of the 33 murders, 30 were in the city, while 698 of the 801 robberies were in Montgomery.
Factoring out Montgomery, the crime index for the rest of the MSA fell to 3,871 crimes per 100,000 well below the state average (4,465) and the national average (4,118).
Because the crime statistics are kept by metropolitan statistical areas, and the counties are lumped in with the city, the perception is the two counties - and their communities - have a crime problem. And that, officials say, can be a disadvantage when competing for industry.
"When businesses come in and talk to us about this area, the crime rate is usually one of the first things that comes up,"
Akridge said because of Prattville's proximity to Montgomery, it is common to be included in statistics related to the much larger city.
"I would take objection to being linked to Montgomery's crime rate. We have a very low crime rate. Our crime rate is significantly lower than Montgomery's," Millbrook Mayor Al Kelly said.
"In our case, people know the difference. Montgomery's crime rate is probably one of the big reasons Autauga and Elmore counties are growing so much. People come out here to get away from the crime in Montgomery, so their crime rate is actually contributing to our growth," Kelley said.
"Money going to highway and other improvements are doled out according to the MSA," Kelly said.
"Business look at all the aspects of the MSA, not only crime, when coming into our area. It definitely helps us to be in there. I guess the downside is the crime rate.":
The task before local officials, Akridge said, is to make sure that prospective businesses and residents have a clear, accurate picture of the area.
"The truth is that our crime rate has remained low, and even dropped, but when people see these statistics and it isn't explained town by town, it can be deceiving.," she said. "But we are always pushing the truth to perspective business owners, that Prattville has an exceptional education system, low crime, active civic organizations and this really is a great place to raise a family."