NCJ Number
139301
Journal
Law & Policy Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 245-257
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A survey of subway riders in New York City was conducted to obtain information about citizen disposition toward policing by State and nonstate sources.
Abstract
Data were obtained from interviews with riders selected by a quota sample of 2,696 passngers on trains serving a 24- station area. These stations were chosen because they were perceived as high crime areas by riders. Some lines were patrolled by a citizen anticrime group known as the Guardian Angels. It was found that respondents were substantially more supportive of the Guardian Angels than they were of the New York City Transit Police, although a substantial number of respondents supported both sources of policing. Differential assessment was related to perceptions of crime trends, the extent to which respondents believed bystanders would intervene on their behalf in the event of a crime, and fear of victimization. The authors conclude that concern with personal security and reported willingness to employ self-help measures are useful in distinguishing between those who subscribe to State forms of policing alone and those who support both State and nonstate policing. 27 references, 3 notes, and 4 tables