NCJ Number
79985
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a January 1981 Harris Survey that examined public views of the crime rate and the purpose and performance of the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Based upon a telephone survey of 1,250 adults representing a cross section of the nationwide population, there appears to have been a dramatic rise in the number of Americans who feel that the crime rate in their area is increasing, with 68 percent now saying crime is on the upswing, compared to only 46 percent in 1978. Anxiety about crime seems to be greater in the Sunbelt than in other sections of the country. Concern about street crime is high in the South and in the suburbs, with 53 percent in both areas saying they are concerned about it. Anxiety is highest among women and persons over 50 years old, with 60 percent and 59 percent respectively expressing concern about street crime. Since 1967, when the Harris Survey first began tracking public reaction to crime and law enforcement, the number who feel that the law enforcement system does not discourage crime has risen steadily, with the percentage rising from 56 percent in 1967 to 79 percent in the latest survey. Eighty-three percent are critical of the courts for being 'too easy' on criminals. Respondents were also asked what they believe is the main emphasis in prisons and what it should be. Thirty-five percent view the main prison emphasis as incapacitating offenders, and another 35 percent see it as rehabilitation; 22 percent of the respondents believe prisons are essentially punitive. When asked what the emphasis in prisons should be, 49 percent felt it should be on rehabilitation, and 31 percent felt it should be incapacitation, while only 17 percent felt it should be punitive. Public demand to protect society from repeat offenders has risen in recent years. Tabular data are provided. (Author summary modified)