John Lott: The Media Say Crime is Going Down... Don't Believe It

The Media Say Crime is Going Down... Don't Believe It

By John Lott

The decline in reported crimes is a function of less reporting, not less crime.

News outlets claim that Americans mistakenly believe violent crime is rising. A Gallup survey last year found that 92% of Republicans and 58% of Democrats thought crime was increasing. A February Rasmussen Reports survey found that, by a 4.7-to-1 margin, likely voters say violent crime in the U.S. is getting worse (61%), not better (13%). Journalists purport to refute this by citing official crime statistics showing a downward trend. Americans aren't mistaken. News reports fail to take into account that many victims aren't reporting crimes to the police, especially since the pandemic. [more...]

City Where Emergency Response Time is 36 Minutes Wants to Ban Civilians Carrying Guns for Protection

By John Lott

In 2023, New Orleans had the third highest per capita murder rate in the country, according to the FBI. Last week, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick claimed that the city can lower this rate by creating a "firearm-free" zone encompassing the French Quarter and beyond. Kirkpatrick is particularly concerned about the dangers of Louisiana's new Constitutional Carry law. But Kirkpatrick's proposed gun-free zone will create a magnet for criminals to commit crimes in that area. To criminals, gun-free zones make victims easy targets. [more...]