NCJ Number
82067
Date Published
1981
Length
17 pages
Annotation
A random telephone survey of 400 residents in eight Chicago neighborhoods shows that low crime rates correlate with high citizen satisfaction with their neighborhoods and that high satisfaction may also exist in high-crime neighborhoods among citizens who perceive positive aspects of the community.
Abstract
Three of the neighborhoods surveyed were low in crime and five were high in crime. The study measured perception of risk of crime victimization and satisfaction with the quality of life in the community. The general finding is that perception of low risk of victimization correlates positively high satisfaction with the quality of neighborhood life, while perception of high risk shows variability in satisfaction depending on neighborhood circumstances. For homeowners, there is a consistent relation between visible signs of neighborhood deterioration and the perception of greater risk of victimization; the neighborhood deterioration scale is based on respondents' reports of garbage problems, unkept lawns, absentee landlords, abandoned homes, and vacant lots. In contrast to homeowners, renters are not necessarily disturbed by these signs. Renters are more affected by the physical features and usability of the public space in the area. Renters who live on blocks where there are playgrounds, alleys, or other open spaces perceive a greater risk of victimization. The presence of bothersome people or drug users is an important correlate of satisfaction in almost every neighborhood. For both white and black owners, satisfaction with the safety of the neighborhood is strongly correlated with the perception that the neighborhood is racially stable. Tabular data, one note, and nine references are provided.