Americans Perceive More Crime Despite Falling Stats

(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Adults in the United States appear to be concerned about public safety, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 67 per cent of respondents say there is more crime in the U.S. than there was a year ago.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) released by the U.S. Justice Department, the number of serious violent crimes—which include rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide—fell from 1,829,900 in 2003, to 1,648,100 in 2004.

The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)—which collect information on criminal activity and arrests reported by law enforcement authorities to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—established the number of crimes in the U.S. at 1,168,000 in 2004, down from 1,179,000 in 2003. 47 per cent of respondents report more crime in their respective areas, up 10-points since October 2004.

Polling Data

Is there more crime in the U.S. than there was a year ago?

	Oct. 2005	Oct. 2004	Oct. 2003
More	67%	53%	60%
Less	21%	28%	25%
The same	9%	14%	11%

Is there more crime in your area than there was a year ago?

	Oct. 2005	Oct. 2004	Oct. 2003
More	47%	37%	40%
Less	33%	37%	39%
The same	18%	22%	19%

[Mark Godsey]