NCJ Number
244909
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 473-491
Date Published
July 2013
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This research analyzed how mayors employ political language related to crime.
Abstract
Past research on presidential and gubernatorial rhetoric related to crime shows that both presidents and governors use symbolic statements in their crime rhetoric. To date, no research has analyzed how mayors employ political language related to crime. As mayors are politically closer to the people and have a greater impact on local crime policy, it is important to understand the nature of how mayors use symbolic language about crime. The current study draws on hypotheses derived from research related to presidents and governors and applies them to the top 50 city executives. A content analysis of 6 years (2005-2010) of mayors' State of the City speeches was conducted to assess how mayors employ the issue of crime in their political communication. Overall, the results suggest that mayors employ crime rhetoric in a different manner from other executives when speaking to their constituents about crime. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.