16. PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

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

Opinion | People Get Scared and Buy a Gun. Here’s What Happens Next.
Written by ZJbTFBGJ2T

Opinion | Is Fear of Crime a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?  The New York Times

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

Fear of Crime and Its Impact on Public Safety

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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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses issues related to violent crime, fear of crime, gun ownership, social and economic fabric, and the role of police. These issues are connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The article also touches on the impact of crime on urban areas (SDG 11) and the health risks associated with gun ownership (SDG 3).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
  • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

The article highlights the need to reduce violent crime rates (Target 16.1) and create safer communities. It also emphasizes the importance of accessible public spaces that contribute to a sense of safety (Target 11.7). Additionally, the article mentions the health risks associated with gun ownership, such as increased risk of suicide and accidental shootings, highlighting the need to promote mental health and well-being (Target 3.4).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Violent crime rates
  • Perceptions of safety and fear of crime
  • Gun ownership rates and gun-related incidents
  • Access to safe and inclusive public spaces
  • Mental health indicators

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include violent crime rates, which can be measured through official crime statistics. Perceptions of safety and fear of crime can be assessed through surveys and public opinion polls. Gun ownership rates and gun-related incidents can be tracked through data on firearm registrations, sales, and criminal activities involving firearms. Access to safe and inclusive public spaces can be measured by assessing the availability and quality of public spaces in urban areas. Mental health indicators, such as rates of suicide and mental health disorders, can be used to monitor progress in promoting mental health and well-being.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. – Violent crime rates
– Perceptions of safety and fear of crime
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. – Access to safe and inclusive public spaces
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. – Gun ownership rates and gun-related incidents
– Mental health indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: nytimes.com

 

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