NCJ Number
132281
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 137-143
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examines the perceptions and attitudes toward local police by a random sample of Canadian citizens.
Abstract
The sample included 278 members of the general public in a southern Ontario city and its surrounding region. The questionnaire consisted of several sections including feelings about neighborhood security, general attitudes toward police, personal experiences with crime, and demographic and biographical questions. Results indicate that most citizens felt safe and secure in their neighborhoods. This is true even for those persons who have been victimized by crime, although nonvictims felt more safe and secure than victims. Most people also felt that the police were doing a good job controlling crime and felt that the police were available when needed. Eighty percent or more of the participants, regardless of their sex, age, occupational background, origin of birth, or race, found the local police courteous, efficient, and concerned with their welfare following a report of violent crime. Seventy percent of these respondents, however, did not feel that the police gave them sufficient feedback on the progress of their investigation. 1 table and 12 references