NCJ Number
212881
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 670-683
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the causal relationship between community policing and fear of crime, focusing on possible intervening factors.
Abstract
The findings revealed that perception of community policing decreased fear of crime. However, two variables were found to intervene in the causal relationship between community policing and fear of crime: (1) perception of incivilities, and (2) dissatisfaction with life-quality. The authors explain these results by suggesting that community policing improves the conditions of a community, thus improving citizen satisfaction with the quality of life in the neighborhood and reducing fear. Data were drawn from the 1998 “Criminal Victimization and Perception of Community Safety in 12 United States Cities” survey, conducted as a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Current analyses were based on the responses of 9,293 individuals aged above the age of 12 years who were recruited via random digit dialing sampling in each city. Participants offered information about their crime and victimization experiences, perceptions of neighborhood crime, and experience and satisfaction with local police. A series of statistical analyses probed the causal link between community policing and fear of crime and the influence of possible intervening variables. Tables, references