No one asks crime victims whether they're Democrats or Republicans, and we can all agree that federal support has a role to play in helping state and local governments develop innovative approaches to prevent crime. Our goal must be to help all Americans be and feel more secure from crime, and that means promoting methods that work as well as trying new approaches. Survey questions pertaining to these four areas of concern were designed by Wirthlin to examine adults' fear of crime-for themselves and for their children. The survey found that fear persists. Neighborhood Security Persists for Too Many Americans Americans were less engaged with each other and felt less secure in their own neighborhoods.
Fear is particularly prevalent among women and minorities.
The trend line in these categories is moving in the wrong direction. Though these trends can be reversed, swift action is necessary to stop the erosion in community bonding and to regain lost ground in our citizens' confidence in their safety. The links between increased community involvement and reduced crime and fear are well known. And there is no question that healthy, vibrant communities offer one of the best protections against crime. The survey found and is reinforced by other national survey data that we are leaving our children home alone, consequently exposing them to the risks of being victimized by crime, violence, and substance abuse.