Living on the Edge: Fear of Crime and Police Legitimacy Among University Students

• In Event: Crime Experiences Involving Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of select lifestyle and individual-level constructs on fear of crime, using lifestyle exposure theory as a guide. Participants included undergraduate students at two major Northeastern universities. Fear of crime among students at both universities was examined to empirically examine what factors influence this emotion-laden concept. Results revealed support for several key fear of crime correlates. A significant relationship emerged between police visibility and fear of crime in both estimated models. Results also revealed that student lifestyle choices can impact fear of crime; this relationship can vary across samples, however. Additionally, it was found that select individual characteristics (e.g., gender, race, and living arrangement) were positively related to student fear of crime. A discussion and implications for law enforcement and policy are offered to conclude.

Authors

• Justin N Crowl, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

• Joshua R. Battin, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania