NCJ Number
153311
Date Published
1992
Length
58 pages
Annotation
A 1992 telephone survey gathered information from 1,201 residents of West Virginia to determine their attitudes toward crime, fear of crime, the criminal justice system, and personal victimization.
Abstract
Results revealed that West Virginians were more likely to be victims of larceny-theft and vandalism than any other crime. Victimizations through burglary were higher for those aged 25-34, those with yearly family incomes of $25,000-34,000, those with college degrees, those who were white, those who lived in central cities, and those who were divorced than for others. West Virginians who lived in central city areas were more likely to be victims of vehicle theft than were any other groups. Being a robbery victim was most common among blacks and divorced people, while assault victims tended to be aged 25-34, of an ethnic background other than white or black, with an income of less than $7,500, with a residence in the central city, and a marital status of being separated. West Virginians generally regarded drugs as the main crime problems in their communities. Most people considered their neighborhoods and travel to the workplace to be safe. The majority had guns in their homes; most kept guns for both sports and protection. Sixteen percent reported one completed victimization; 8 percent reported at least one attempted victimization. Most rated their local police performance as good, but regarded the courts as too lenient on convicted criminals. Tables and appended questionnaire and data