Comparing Urban and Rural Residents’ Perceptions of Policing in Canada

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Overall, Canadians appear to have favorable perceptions of police. However, there appears to be some disparity between Canadians living in rural areas and those living in urban areas. The purpose of this study is to examine public perceptions of policing across Canada by comparing the perceptions of those living in rural neighborhoods to those in urban neighborhoods. Using population-level data collected by Statistics Canada through the General Social Survey (2014) - Victimization Cycle (#28), this study will assess whether differences in urban and rural perceptions of police can be explained by differing opinions of collective efficacy (including informal social control, trust, social cohesion), fear of crime, and self-protective behaviors.

Author

• Stephanie Cantlay, University of Calgary