Predictors of Fear of Crime and the Relationship
of Crime Rates and Fear of Crime

By: Jennifer Truman
Mentor: Jana Jasinski

Abstract and Introduction

"Results from research show that perceptions of crime do not coincide with the actual rates of crime; consequently when crime rates are dropping, public fear of crime is rising."

Abstract

Research has shown that demographic characteristics, media exposure, perceived risk to crime, and victimization are associated with a person's perception of crime. Also, many times a person's perception of crime does not coincide with the actual crime rates. Using data from a survey of 315 college students, this study examined the effects of the aforementioned factors on a person's perception of crime, as well as compared these perceptions with actual crime rates. Results indicate that females, minorities, and people who frequently viewed local television news all reported a higher fear of crime, which is consistent with literature. The respondents' perceptions of murder and rape crime rates were much higher than the actual crime rates, which is consistent with research; however, with all other crimes the respondents' perceptions were much lower, in contrast with research.

Introduction

People have mixed views on crime in the United States, and their views can be influenced by reasons that they can and cannot control. In addition, perceptions of the occurrence of crime can sometimes be exaggerated. Results from research show that perceptions of crime do not coincide with the actual rates of crime; consequently when crime rates are dropping, public fear of crime is rising (Ackerman et al., 2001). Correspondingly, research on the relationship of a person's age, race/ethnicity, social class, media exposure, perceived risk to crime, and victimization to their perception of crime has shown that all are associated with feelings about crime. These factors can affect a person?s perception of crime both positively and negatively. Perceived risk to crime has been shown to be the largest predictor of perception of crime (May & Dunaway, 2000; Lane & Meeker, 2003). However, results vary from sample to sample as to what the best predictor of perception of crime will be. This current study examined the effects of gender, age, race, social class, media exposure, perceived risk, and prior victimization on a person?s perception of crime. Also, the current study compared perceptions of crime with the actual crime rates. Specifically, it considered if fear of crime was greater than crime occurrence.

Review of Literature >>