We have to take better care of our children and their families.  Many of the problems with crime are due to poverty, drug addiction and mental illness.  

Many children raised in these high crime environments suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome which creates learning and social problems.  These compound to create and perpetuate the plight of violence in that segment of society.  

I worked as a special education teacher with "emotionally disturbed" children.  70% of the cases were from troubled impoverished homes, others had autism or other handicapping conditions that required intense behavior modification.

I think the best investment we can make is in helping impoverished families.  Our educational system needs to reach out to these families and develop systems that will increase literacy and job seeking and retention skills.  There are so many families that just do not know how to budget, manage their time or care properly for their children by developing healthy routines.