NCJ Number
17419
Date Published
Unknown
Length
35 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF SOME NATIONAL SURVEYS ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE RELATED TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED BY A VARIETY OF POLLING ORGANIZATIONS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PURPOSES, ESPECIALLY DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES.
Abstract
IN ADDITION TO NATIONAL POLLSTERS WHO REGULARLY INCLUDE SUCH QUESTIONS IN THEIR PERIODIC POLLS, GOVERNMENTAL COMMISSIONS OFTEN CONDUCT INDEPTH SURVEYS ON SPECIALIZED TOPICS. ALTHOUGH THIS PUBLIC OPINION DATA OFFERS A WEALTH OF CRITICAL INFORMATION THAT CAN BE OF VALUE TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNERS, PRACTITIONERS, AND ACADEMICIANS ALIKE, IT HAS BEEN LARGELY IGNORED. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT IS TO EXPLORE THE NATURE, SCOPE, AND SOURCES OF PUBLIC OPINION DATA THAT ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. THIS REPORT IS PART OF A UTILIZATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATISTICS PROJECT DESIGNED TO ILLUSTRATE TO STATE AND LOCAL PLANNERS AND OTHER USERS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATISTICS HOW AVAILABLE DATA CAN BE UTILIZED FOR SOLVING PRACTICAL PROBLEMS. THE REPORT SELECTIVELY REVIEWS THE RESULTS OF A NUMBER OF SURVEYS RELEVANT IN WHOLE OR IN PART TO THE FOLLOWING CRIMINAL JUSTICE TOPICS: FEAR OF CRIME, PERCEPTIONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND THE COURTS, SUGGESTED SENTENCES, ATTITUDES REGARDING LEGISLATED CRIMINAL SANCTIONS, PERCEPTIONS REGARDING DRUGS, USE OF DRUGS, GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION, AND CAUSES OF CRIME. ALMOST WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE SURVEYS REPORTED HEREIN WERE DESIGNED TO BE REPRESENTATIVE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES; IN ADDITION, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOME DRUG-RELATED STUDIES, THESE SURVEYS FOCUSED ON RESPONDENTS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. (SNI ABSTRACT)