I tested Microsoft’s AI, Copilot on violent crime and restrictions on private gun ownership. It refused to admit the obvious correlation.

Joe:

What county in the US has the highest violent crime rate?

Copilot:

The county in the United States with the highest reported violent crime rate is St. Louis city, Missouri, where there were 1,792 violent crimes per 100,000 people ¹. This includes offenses such as aggravated assault, arson, burglary, larceny, murder, rape, robbery, and vehicle theft. The situation in St. Louis city warrants attention and efforts to address crime prevention and community safety.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the District of Columbia (DC) also has a high violent crime rate, with 812.3 violent crimes per 100,000 population ². Vigilance and effective law enforcement strategies are crucial in these areas to ensure the well-being of residents.

Remember that these statistics represent reported incidents and may not capture all crimes. Efforts to improve safety and reduce crime involve a multifaceted approach, including community engagement, social programs, and law enforcement initiatives.

Learn more

1vividmaps.com2statista.com3usafacts.org4icpsr.umich.edu

Joe:

What county has rhe lowest violent crime rate?

Copilot:

The county with the lowest reported violent crime rate in the United States varies depending on the data source and the specific year. However, here are some notable regions known for their safety:

1. Vermont: Vermont consistently ranks as one of the safest states, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents ¹². Its natural beauty and low population density contribute to its safety.

2. Maine: Maine boasts a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents ³². Its picturesque landscapes and strong community bonds contribute to its safety.

3. New Hampshire: New Hampshire has a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents ⁴². Its historic charm and low crime make it a safe place to live.

4. Utah: Utah is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and has a low violent crime rate ⁵. While specific numbers may vary, it consistently ranks among the safest states.

These states prioritize community well-being and public safety, making them attractive places to reside. Remember that safety is influenced by various factors, including law enforcement efforts, community engagement, and local policies.

Learn more

1 usatoday.com
2 propertyclub.nyc
3 statista.com
4 usnews.com
5 thehill.com
6 vividmaps.com
7 usnews.com
8 icpsr.umich.edu
9 bing.com
10 securitysales.com
11 media.gettyimages.com
12 media.gettyimages.com
13 media.gettyimages.com
14 media.gettyimages.com

Joe:

Please compare the gun laws of the safest counties to the gun laws in the most violent counties. is there a correlation?

Copilot:

Certainly! Let’s delve into the comparison of gun laws between the safest counties and the most violent counties in the United States. Keep in mind that this analysis is based on general trends and may not account for all nuances. Here’s a high-level overview:

1. Safest Counties:
   • Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Utah are known for their low crime rates and strong community bonds.
   • Their gun laws tend to be more permissive:
     • Vermont: Vermont has constitutional carry, meaning residents can carry concealed firearms without a permit.
     • Maine: Maine allows open carry without a permit and has relatively relaxed regulations.
     • New Hampshire: New Hampshire permits open carry without a license and has minimal restrictions.
     • Utah: Utah has shall-issue concealed carry permits and reciprocity agreements with many other states.
2. Most Violent Counties:
   • St. Louis city, Missouri, and the District of Columbia (DC) face higher crime rates.
   • Their gun laws tend to be more restrictive:
     • St. Louis city, Missouri: Missouri has shall-issue concealed carry permits, but local regulations may vary.
     • District of Columbia (DC): DC has stringent gun control laws, including registration requirements, bans on assault weapons, and limitations on magazine capacity.

Correlation?

• While there isn’t a direct causal link between gun laws and crime rates, some observations emerge:
  • Permissive gun laws in safer areas may contribute to a sense of personal security and community trust.
  • Restrictive gun laws in high-crime areas aim to curb violence but may face challenges due to illegal firearms trafficking.
  • Socioeconomic factors, education, and law enforcement effectiveness also play significant roles.

Remember that correlation does not imply causation. Crime rates result from complex interactions of various factors beyond gun laws alone. Addressing violence requires a holistic approach involving community engagement, mental health support, and effective law enforcement.

Joe:

Do the illegal firearms come from areas with lax gun laws in the safer areas?

Copilot:

The origin of illegal firearms is a complex issue influenced by various factors. While it’s tempting to draw a direct link between lax gun laws in safer areas and the flow of illegal weapons, the reality is more nuanced.

Here are some considerations:

1. Local Supply and Demand:
   • Safer areas with permissive gun laws may not necessarily be the primary source of illegal firearms.
   • Demand for illegal weapons often drives their circulation. High-crime regions may have a greater demand due to gang activity, drug trade, or personal disputes.
2. Trafficking Routes:
   • Illegal firearms often follow established trafficking routes.
   • These routes may cross state lines, making it challenging to attribute the source solely to areas with lax gun laws.
3. Straw Purchases:
   • Straw purchases occur when someone legally buys firearms and then sells them to prohibited individuals.
   • These transactions can happen anywhere, regardless of local gun laws.
4. Stolen Firearms:
   • Many illegal guns originate from stolen firearms.
   • These thefts can occur in any area, irrespective of gun regulations.
5. Black Market and Criminal Networks:
   • Criminal networks operate across boundaries.
   • They exploit weak points in law enforcement and supply chains.
6. Enforcement and Interdiction:
   • Effective enforcement is crucial.
   • Focusing on intercepting illegal firearms during transit can disrupt supply chains.
7. Social Factors:
   • Poverty, unemployment, and social instability contribute to crime.
   • Addressing these issues is essential for reducing demand for illegal weapons.

In summary, while there may be some correlation between lax gun laws and illegal firearms, it’s not a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Comprehensive efforts involving law enforcement, community engagement, and policy changes are necessary to tackle this multifaceted problem.

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I find it very telling that it admits areas with lax restrictions have low violent crime rates, then claims areas with more strict laws on private ownership have a violent crime problem, in part, because of guns.

Lots of dancing there when the answer should be clear. It also steadfastly refused to address violent crime at the county level.

It gets a “D”.