The start of 2010’s successor brings relief to Chelsea. As the first week of the New Year passes without a homicide, residents can hope that the previous year’s tragedy has ended. Thirteen deaths from violence had shaken a city of Chelsea’s size—an alarming figure that prompted serious questions. Some wondered aloud whether Chelsea was sliding into lawlessness. “Absolutely not,” responded Police Chief Brian Kyes. “Every one of the homicides here was unrelated. They were as random as random gets,” he continued. The characterization of Chelsea as a place spiraling into chaos genuinely troubled him. “We could have had an additional 1,000 police officers stationed throughout the city and even that wouldn’t have stopped most of the homicides last year. When someone is intent on committing a stabbing or a shooting and then goes ahead with it behind closed doors, how are we supposed to stop that?” he posed to those around him. “All the homicides last year were about chance violence and violent instances that could not be stopped,” Kyes stated. “They were all about violence and bad luck.” His concerns are rooted in firsthand knowledge. Throughout the city, officials convene regularly to examine violence, understand its causes, and develop strategies to combat it. Kyes participates in these discussions constantly. “No one has the answer how to rid the city of it. It is economic. It is partly about many, many things. But when violence strikes in an instant, just like that, and for seemingly no reason, how do we defend against it?” the chief reiterated. Last year’s homicides have largely been resolved through investigation—a contrast to Boston’s record, where roughly 80 killings occurred with 87% remaining unsolved. “Chelsea is not the wild west,” Kyes observed. “When we had crime problems escalating on Chester Avenue last year we added police strength in that neighborhood. Wherever we feel a challenge to law and order, we respond. However, last year’s murders baffles us. None of us in law enforcement can pinpoint exactly what caused all the violence,” he noted further. The police chief maintains constant awareness of crime patterns affecting his community, monitoring developments with vigilance each day. “At least 2010 is over. I’m hoping for a less violent year in Chelsea. I’m hoping what happened last year will not be repeated this year or any year after,” Kyes remarked. To the north in Boston, the New Year already counts one homicide. Chelsea, meanwhile, remains untouched by such violence as week one concludes. Whether this period of safety extends remains to be seen.
Looking at Violent Crime
