NCJ Number
130097
Date Published
1989
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report on a survey of the South African public's perceptions of and reactions to crime presents recommendations for reducing the social impact of crime.
Abstract
Data were obtained from probability samples drawn from the four South African population groups. For the whites, "coloreds," and Indians, the samples were representative of persons living in urban areas and towns. For the blacks, the sample represented metropolitan residents only. Topics covered in the survey included perceptions of the seriousness of the crime problem, views on whether or not crime had increased, fear of crime, views on the quality of police work, protection measures adopted to counter crime, and degree of willingness to become involved in community crime prevention. The survey found that a large number of blacks believed that crime was a serious problem in their communities. Although 40 percent of the blacks believed that crime had increased in their neighborhood, the same percentage believes it had decreased. Substantially fewer respondents in the other three population groups believed that crime had decreased. Fear of crime was high among blacks, with 66 percent indicating they felt unsafe while walking in their neighborhood at night. Indians had the lowest level of fear of crime. The data also showed that South Africans generally had positive views of police work; Indians had the least positive view of police. Although the majority of households were well protected against crime, the majority of respondents stated they would like more information on how to protect their homes and property. Involvement in community crime prevention was limited in all population groups. Recommendations cover additional research and planning to reduce the social impact of crime. 16 tables, 77 references, and appended survey questionnaire