NCJ Number
173095
Date Published
1994
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This study examined community reactions to the serial killings of five college students in Gainesville, Fla., in Fall 1990, with a view toward adopting community policies that can reduce unreasonable fear and panic in such situations.
Abstract
A total of 164 Gainesville residents were surveyed at three time periods (initial, 9 months, and 18 months following the murders) regarding their psychological distress, coping responses, and perceptions of police and media performance. Forty-six percent of the residents reported moderate to severe disruption of their daily lives, and 35 percent indicated that they felt panicked or frightened in the weeks following the murders. Many of them also reported experiencing posttraumatic-stress-disorder symptoms. Those residents most affected were female students who lived close to the murder sites. Much of the psychological distress decreased over time, with most residents reporting little distress at the 18-month follow-up; symptoms of anxiety and fear were the most lasting. General perceptions of the police and media were mixed, with approximately 40 percent of residents unsatisfied with these agencies immediately following the murders; however, both institutions were important to residents in terms of perceptions of safety. Increased officer visibility and police tips on personal safety were most highly valued by residents. In terms of community planning, study results suggest that intervention activities should be most intense in the weeks to months immediately following the trauma. Although interventions should target the entire community, special attention should be given to those residents likely to feel most vulnerable, i.e., those most similar to the victims. Programs likely to be most effective are those designed to enhance residents' feelings of safety. 11 tables, 12 references, and appended community questionnaire