Local crime is an issue of concern for many Americans. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed report seeing news about violent crime in their area at least weekly. This is particularly true for Black Americans, who are more likely than other racial groups to follow local and neighborhood news closely and to say that reducing crime should be a top priority for the president and Congress.
The majority of adults say they are interested in several aspects of local crime, including homicide rates, details about specific crimes that have occurred, and tips for staying safe. However, some communities struggle to make the information they need easily accessible. For example, some people may be unable to access police call-for-service reports, commercial crime forecast reports, or custom crime analysis reports prepared by security consultants.
Residents who are concerned about the safety of their neighborhoods may wish to consider signing up for local crime alerts offered by law enforcement agencies. These can provide timely updates and heightened awareness, allowing individuals to take action in response to crime trends or occurrences. By promoting a shared narrative of safety, these tools can foster an atmosphere of civic vigilance, which is critical to community resilience and stability.
About seven-in-ten Americans who see crime news regularly get it from social media, locally focused apps, or friends, family and neighbors. Those who get this kind of information are more likely than others to say that the media exaggerates the amount of crime in their area. In contrast, those who receive crime news from local law enforcement or local politicians are more likely to say that this information is accurate.