Don't get me wrong Randy I respect our LEO's we have some decent ones in AK.  We also have a few scum bags. It comes with the territory.  As for the uptick in violence? Gang activity is back in business.  More & more abandoned kids looking for acceptance.  Young girls attached to older members getting pregnant at 15-17 on the system popping out kids that are abandoned & abused- hence perpetuating the cycle all over again. 
It's a war on our kids really.  Every other day a nixle pops out with a missing kid.  Usually runaways. I don't have the answer on combatting this crap. I can only say that it's everyone's duty to take on mentoring at least 1 new child a year. It's not perfect but it makes a dent & assures that one more kid goes on to graduate & be a success rather than a leech or burden.  

If an unrelated adult hadn't stepped in to mentor me as a kid, I might of ended up as a burden & dark stain on society. I'll forever be grateful for what they did for me. They saved my life.