About a third or more of Americans say they see local news about property crime (37%), drug-related crime (33%) or violent crime (32%) at least weekly. Black and older adults are more likely than other groups to see this kind of news on a regular basis. These findings come from a series of surveys conducted in early 2025 by CCJ that compare the rates of different crimes in cities of varying sizes and types. They reinforce the Council’s previous analyses that large declines in homicide have been concentrated in some cities with particularly high homicide levels, and that a majority of our city sample has homicide rates above their recent peak.
Achieving safety requires a proactive approach. This involves being aware of the intricacies that shape your community’s security landscape and assessing risks and prevention opportunities. It also necessitates an understanding of crime trends and the ability to spot signs of trouble—from a sudden uptick in shootings to a more gradual rise in other offenses such as robbery or burglary.
Fortunately, there are many tools that enable people to become knowledgeable about the dynamics of their local crime. Online platforms offer direct access to your community’s official crime statistics, reports and incident updates, as well as safety advice, instructional materials and a means of connecting with police personnel. These sites foster a shared sense of vigilance that can help you stay ahead of the curve in your neighborhood and build a stronger, safer community.
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