NCJ Number
205628
Date Published
March 2004
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This bulletin presents the results of a study into public perceptions of crime trends in New South Wales and Western Australia.
Abstract
Research has shown that public perceptions of crime play an important role in shaping law and order policy. Overseas research suggests that public perceptions of trends in crime over time are sometimes distorted. This report presents the results of a first attempt to assess whether the pattern of public perception of crime trends found in Britain and the United States also exists in New South Wales and Australia. In addition, in seeking to make a general assessment of the accuracy of public perceptions of crime trends, it attempts to identify some of the characteristics of those most likely to hold false beliefs about trends in crime. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,400 individuals aged 18 and older. The study confirmed the overseas research, in that most people believe crime is becoming more common, regardless of the true state of affairs. However, the extent of this tendency varies across different social groups, with women and older people being more likely to believe that crime is becoming more common, than men or younger people. With many members of the Australian public holding false views about trends in crime, the Australian governments should be concerned. It is recommended that those who wish to maintain or foster public confidence in the criminal justice system should seek ways of fostering a broader and more accurate public understanding of trends in crime. Figures