Community Survey on Public Safety

Publication Date: June 2006

Publisher: National Council on Crime and Delinquency

Author(s): San Francisco Safety Network

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Abstract:

The San Francisco Safety Network surveyed 2,400 San Francisco community members about their perceptions of public safety. The one-month survey, the largest of its kind, calls for improved police interaction, enhanced youth services, and safer streets and parks. In the course of administering the survey, the organizers found that what is most important to community members is having a feeling of safety and well being in their neighborhood. Nearly 44% of community members reported feeling somewhat unsafe or unsafe in their neighborhood, with one third reporting they had either experienced or had been exposed to some form of unsafe event such as harassment, assault, drug use, or robbery. Public transportation, local parks, and the streets were also listed as the main areas in their neighborhoods where people felt unsafe.