The FBI’s preliminary violent crime report found Flint to be the most violent city in America.   The report looked at per capita crime rates in cities with populations above 100,000.

“The FBI crime stats show Flint to have the terrible distinction of being the city in the country with the worst violent crime rate,” said Mayor Dayne Walling.

Michigan State Police tell NBC25 the city should look to Saginaw.  Troopers working the city say crime rates have been decreasing in Saginaw.

In 2010, the FBI reports Flint saw 53 murders, and Saginaw, a city half its size, eight.  It is notable because Saginaw has taken the title of most violent city in the past when cities with smaller populations are analyzed.

NBC25 decided to take a look at why.

Law Enforcement leaders in Saginaw say police cuts may have contributed.   Saginaw only has about ten fewer officers on the streets than Flint.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling cut the police force by approximately 25% last year, but says that is not the cause of violence.

“This is a community problem.  It is not a police problem.”

Saginaw also has benefited from strong community activism.  Saginaw’s Parishioners on Patrol succeeded in taking back their streets by patrolling the worst neighborhoods at night.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling says volunteers are working to do the same thing in Flint. 

Another issue is jail space.  

Genesee County has a population of just over 424 thousand, and has a jail capacity of 580 inmates.   Saginaw County has less than half the population, and can house 512 inmates.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell says almost everyday his jail is above capacity. 

“The only thing helping (with jail overcrowding) right now is that because there are less police on the street, there are fewer people being arrested.  But – it is not good for the community,” said Sheriff Pickell.

NBC25 decided to ride along with MSP troopers to see just how the jail overcrowding problem is affecting their ability to fight crime.  That report airs on Wednesday at 6:00 pm.