Speaking of Flint (and Chicago as well), why are murders/shootings at new highs when they went down in the 90's like in every other area? Did they starting using lead paint again in the 80's?
I don't have any sources at hand, so take this with a grain of salt. But, I've often seen it argued that Reagan era drug policies were detrimental to poor minorities, especially black men. The problems we see today are the trickle-down effects (couldn't resist) of turning an entire generation of fathers into disenfranchised criminals.
Like if dad's in jail, who cares if you end up there eventually.
Prison isn't a deterrent any more. In some communities doing time is just part of growing up.