The latest poll released by the Siena College Research Institute focused on New Yorker’s opinions towards public safety throughout the state.
New Yorker’s who responded to the poll were asked if they worry about being a crime victim, with 61% answering yes to the question. Broken down to detail, 21% of those responses say they’re very concerned with 40% somewhat concerned.
Additionally, 51% say they have been concerned about a family member’s public safety in places including schools, stores or houses of worship.
Over the past year, Siena reports 1 in 10 New Yorker’s have been physically assaulted (9% of the population). Almost 40% say they have witnessed violent or threatening behavior among others in public.
“Crime isn’t just something that happens to others far away according to New Yorkers,” said Don Levy, SCRI’s Director. “While 87% say crime is a serious problem in our state and 57% say it is a problem in their community, a disturbingly high 61% say that they are worried about it happening to them, a majority are concerned about themselves or their loved ones being safe in public places and many are taking steps to protect themselves as best they can.”
When asked if crime is the worst it has ever been, 41% answered yes, with little variation across most demographic groups.
The poll was conducted between the dates of June 4th and 12th with random phone calls to 382 New Yorker’s across the state via landlines or cell phones and 420 responses drawn from a proprietary online panel.
