Opinion | People Get Scared and Buy a Gun. Here’s What Happens Next.

Introduction

Violent crime — homicides, robberies, gun assaults — has begun to fall from pandemic-era levels. However, despite this decline, fear of crime remains a significant concern for many Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 60 percent of Americans today consider violent crime to be a “very big problem.” This article explores the paradoxical relationship between fear of crime and public safety, emphasizing the importance of addressing these concerns in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Role of Fear in Crime Perception

• Republican politicians amplify fears of crime, blaming soft-on-crime policies and the “defund the police” movement.
• Democratic politicians argue that crime rates are relatively low compared to their peak in the 1990s.
• Research suggests that fear of crime itself may contribute to worsening public safety.

The Impact of Guns on Crime

• Desire for protection drives gun ownership, but having a gun increases the risk of suicide, accidental shootings, and property crimes.
• Concealed-carry permit holders are more likely to be victims of property crimes, including gun theft.
• Stolen guns often circulate locally, contributing to increased violent crime rates.

The Social and Economic Consequences of Fear

• Fear of crime frays the social and economic fabric of communities.
• People become less engaged in community activities, weakening vital neighborhood institutions.
• Retail stores close, businesses relocate, and illicit markets thrive, leading to more theft, drugs, and violence.

Fear of Crime in Downtown Areas

• Downtown districts in major cities have struggled to recover from the pandemic, with high office vacancy rates and declining businesses.
• Concerns about crime in downtown areas are often disproportionate to the actual crime rates.
• Redirecting resources from disadvantaged residential areas to downtown districts can exacerbate existing problems.

The Role of Policing in Addressing Fear

• Increasing police presence can lower crime rates but may also increase fear of crime.
• Heavy-handed policing erodes community trust and hampers investigations, allowing criminals to remain free.
• A balanced approach is needed, focusing on changing police culture, imposing stricter laws, and enhancing social services.

Building Social Connections to Reduce Fear

• Studies show that stronger community ties reduce fear of crime by providing support and perspective.
• Government, nonprofits, and the private sector can contribute to strengthening social connections through community centers, recreational facilities, libraries, cultural events, and neighborhood organizations.

Conclusion

Addressing fear of crime requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening the social safety net, improving gun control measures, ensuring punishment for serious offenses, and supporting individuals and families dealing with trauma and mental health challenges. Building trust and social connections within communities is also crucial for reducing fear and enhancing public safety.

Neil Gross, a professor of sociology at Colby College, is the author, most recently, of “Walk the Walk: How Three Police Chiefs Defied the Odds and Changed Cop Culture.”

Source images by twohumans and MirageC/Getty Images.

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