NCJ Number
80127
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Results of a 1980 serious crime survey taken in Oregon are presented on such topics as perception of crime and fear of crime, treatment of juvenile offenders, use of juvenile criminal records, sentencing disparity, budget cuts for police, corrections programs, capital punishment, diversion, community problems, and use of crime prevention techniques.
Abstract
Survey questionnaires were obtained from a random sample of 1,096 citizens whose names were drawn from the Oregon drivers' license files. Findings indicate that 29 percent of the respondents thought that crime had increased, and respondents 50 years and older were less likely to expect victimization. Most respondents thought that noncriminal juvenile status offenders should be held in nonsecure facilities or released with court supervision rather than be detained in a jail or detention facility. Results show that public support exists for some degree of confidentiality concerning the use of juvenile criminal records, but not to the extent that such records cannot be used for sentencing adult offenders. About 26 percent said that there was a 50/50 chance that two offenders with the same criminal history would get the same sentence, about 25 percent said there was a likely chance, and 25 percent said it was unlikely. Over 20 percent said they had no idea what the sentencing similarity would be. Concerning police budget cuts, respondents indicated that violent crime investigations and emergency response would be the most critical services to retain. Responses show substantial support for community corrections programs involving juvenile or adult first-time offenders convicted of a violent or property crime. However, citizens do not favor such programs for repeat offenders of any kind of crime or for first-time offenders convicted of a violent sex offense. In regard to capital punishment, only 19 percent said that they do not support the death penalty in any circumstance. Of those in support of the death penalty, 51 percent wish to see it used only for premeditated murder. Most respondents do not support the use of diversion except for juvenile property offenders. The top five community problems were considered to be cost of living, property taxes, alcohol, drug abuse, and unemployment. Results indicate that most citizens use basic crime prevention techniques such as locking the house and operable locks. However, less than half mark their valuable property or lock their car when it is parked near their home. Study data are provided.