NCJ Number
89114
Date Published
1980
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the results of a citizen survey conducted in North Carolina in 1979 to measure the public's awareness of crime problems in four counties and to assess their knowledge and adoption of crime prevention techniques designed to protect persons and property.
Abstract
Almost 42 percent of the 506 people surveyed felt that crime was a significant problem. This was a higher level of concern than expressed in a Minnesota survey. Over 31 percent of the sample considered crime to be a 'fairly' or extremely serious' problem, although there is evidence that citizens view certain crimes with more concern than others. The predominance of burglary as a recognized problem in both the North Carolina and Minnesota surveys may indicate that it has been brought to people's attention by programs or crime prevention messages prior to the surveys. Communities of 5,000 to 50,000 express greater concern about crime than cities over 50,000. The two population characteristics that make a significant difference in estimates of likelihood of victimization are type of area of residence and respondent's age. Education, race, sex, or type or residential dwelling have no significant impact on concern about crime. Most citizens received crime prevention messages and remember television messages more than other media presentations. People's attitudes toward police suggest that a police-run crime prevention program would be a credible effort in the State. Other survey results and their policy implications are mentioned. Tables, footnotes, and an analysis of research methods are included.