Whether it’s property crimes, drug-related incidents or homicides, local crime is front and center in the news. But understanding the dynamics that shape the safety landscape of your neighborhood takes careful research and analysis. It’s an essential skill that empowers citizens to contribute to community safety initiatives and fosters a shared sense of responsibility.
Across the country, nearly three-quarters of Americans say they at least sometimes get news about local crime, with most saying they see such news weekly or more often. The most common sources of local crime news are news outlets (79%), friends, family and neighbors (72%) and police (43%). And those who rely on police for their local crime information are far more likely to be extremely or very satisfied with the quality of the news they receive.
While most Americans who get news about local crime say they feel concerned or angry after consuming such information, the majority also say they find it helpful to know what’s happening in their area. The underlying causes of crime and the broader patterns in local crime can be particularly useful to residents who want to stay informed and take proactive steps to keep themselves safe.
A growing number of communities are using online crime mapping tools to provide easy access to comprehensive statistics and incident updates. In addition to providing official data, these websites often serve as a communication portal for local law enforcement agencies and foster engagement with citizens.