Portsmouth residents are more fearful of crime than they need to be
Portsmouth residents are more fearful of crime than they need to be, according to a survey carried out by Institute of Criminal Justice Studies’ students at the University of Portsmouth.
The 2012 Portsmouth Community Safety Survey, conducted on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, found people’s fear of crime is based on an area’s reputation, rather than on individuals experiencing crime themselves.
But it also found most people’s perceptions of anti-social behaviour were more accurate and closer to their level of actual experience of such behaviour.
It is the first year Portsmouth City Council has collaborated with the University of Portsmouth to carry out the community safety survey. Around 150 students from the University’s Institute of Criminal Justice Studies interviewed 1,382 Portsmouth residents and analysed the data.
The findings will be used by the City Council to shape the way money is spent and identify the areas in the city that need the most attention and resources.
The City Council’s Chief Executive David Williams commended the report and said: “The Council is keen to develop a partnership with University of Portsmouth and this report is a good example of the sort of collaboration that provides significant benefits to both organisations.”
Tom Ellis, principal lecturer at the University’s Institute of Criminal Justice Studies who co-ordinated the study, said: “We are very pleased to have provided our students with some valuable work experience. The skills they have acquired will benefit them when they enter the world of employment.”
The three students who produced the best reports will receive cash prizes that will be presented by Councillor Aiden Gray, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Dave Russell, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Second-year criminology student, Nicholas Sandford Smith was praised for producing the best report and was asked to present the survey findings to the Safer Portsmouth Partnership.
