If Crime is at Record Lows, then Why is Perception of Crime at Record Highs?

November 11, 2009

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Criminological Question of the Week

We posted research on Crime in America.Net regarding new Gallup Polls and what’s on the minds of Americas regarding their perceptions of crime and their ranking of crime concerns.

Question—if crime is at record lows for the country (see below):

· http://crimeinamerica.net/2009/09/15/american-crime-rates-lower-in-2008-based-on-crimes-reported-to-police-fbi/

· http://crimeinamerica.net/2009/09/08/violent-crime-rate-remained-unchangedwhile-theft-rate-declined-in-2008/.

…then why are Americans perceiving increased crime, and why is that perception at record levels?

According to the National Crime Survey “Violent and property crime rates in 2008 remain at the lowest levels recorded since 1973.”

Gallup’s annual Crime poll finds 74% of Americans saying there is more crime in the United States than there was a year ago, the highest measured since the early 1990s.

See http://crimeinamerica.net/2009/11/07/americans-perceive-increased-crime-in-u-s/.

We are interested in your opinion.

Thanks, Crime in America.Net staff.

Tagged as: crime rates, Crime Statistics, Fear of Crime

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Dale D. Schmitz November 14, 2009 at 10:00 PM

I’m doing an essay on crime, and after hours of research through various sites I’m astonded by my findings. As statistics go, on average, crime rate is down. Unfortunatly my essay was on the rise of crime. If you would have asked me several hours ago, with all the madness around us, I would have sworn that crime was on a constant rise. (Could it be the media)? Either way it looks like I start over.

2 admin November 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM: Hi Dale: Cities and metro areas throughout the country are suffering from increased crime. Yes, the country is recording less crime, but tell that to the citizens of cities with crime problems. They will not believe you.

Gallup indicates that citizens of the US “are” very concerned about crime, probably for a variety of reasons.

The issue needs attention that few are willing to give.

Thanks for your comment.

Crime in America.Net staff.

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