While aggregate crime statistics compiled by national data collections like the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program and reported by news outlets can inform the public about trends at the city, county or state level, local experiences and perceptions often shape how people view their safety. For instance, while nationwide crime has been on the decline, local-level fears of victimization have risen in recent years. This discrepancy between how people feel about their neighborhood’s safety versus how experts measure and report it illustrates why vigilance is needed at both the local and national levels.
The majority of U.S. adults get information about their community’s crime from a variety of sources, including local news outlets (79%), local law enforcement (77%) and friends, family and neighbors (56%). However, those who get this kind of news the most – those who say they often or always watch TV for news and information about their local area – are less likely than others to think that news outlets exaggerate the amount of crime in their local area. In addition, this group is more satisfied with the quality of the local crime news they get.
In fact, this group of Americans is the most concerned about how crime in their local area may affect them personally. They are also the most likely to think that their communities’ police forces are doing a good job of keeping them safe.