NCJ Number
192838
Date Published
2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines what motivates victims to report crimes to the police and investigates strategies that may increase victim reporting.
Abstract
The reasons most commonly given for victims failing to report crimes to the police were belief that the incident was not a police matter, fear of reprisal, belief that it was not worthwhile, or skepticism concerning the effectiveness of the police. When victims do report criminal incidents, they generally cite crime prevention and punishment as reasons for calling the police. Victims of violent crimes who are age 12 to 19 are less likely to report them. Female victims of violent crimes are more likely than male victims to make police reports. Victims report crimes more readily when the offenses have been completed rather than attempted. Reporting increases when the value of property is estimated as high and when the crime has resulted in more significant injury to the victim. Victims who had suffered the greatest injury were more likely to report the incident. Higher rates of reporting crimes are also likely when victims perceive that the potential for greater harm existed, especially when the perpetrator possessed a weapon or during crimes in which threats were employed. One way to increase victims’ reports is to enhance the relationship between local police agencies and the communities they serve. Equally important is the assurance of just and sensitive treatment for those victims who do decide to report crimes. Innovative police-community programs have worked to enhance their services to victims by including mental health, community resource, and medical professionals in a team approach to aiding victims. There appears to be a close connection between actual victims’ and potential victims’ perceptions of the police and their decisions to report or not report crimes. 61 references