atw: Re: OT: Culture [SEC = UNCLASSIFIED]

Warren, you probably know far more about crime statistics than I do, and you may be correct in your analysis.

My point is that people live in fear needlessly, and it is because they let the news media color their perception of the world. In spite of terrorism, global warming, impending nuclear holocaust, and the bird flu, most of us live in relative safety.

Arnold

----- Original Message ----- From: <warren.lewington@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 7:28 PM
Subject: atw: Re: OT: Culture [SEC = UNCLASSIFIED]


Not true about crime Arnold.
Types of crime have fallen and patterns of crime have changed; however
criminality and the severity of consequences on individuals in society has
increased, especially in the US!

The main thing to remember about crime reporting is that it is falling,
because populations recognise police services will not do anything about
the petty things. Call them to a home robbery in progress or call them to
a murder. Where do they go? Not the robbery. I can prove that btw.

That is not to say there are less victims. There are more. Check out
surveys that ask "have you had a criminal act committed against you in the
last few ...?" and the follow up "did you report it?" Universally, the
responses are "yes" and "no". This pattern has been rising.

The real numbers are shielded by a number of factors. Most notably amongst
them is political spin. Another is the problem mentioned above. Another is
the fact that police do not want to actually solve crime. For a variety of
reasons. Often very stupid. In many cases, the choices of crime
investigation are related to the ROI analysed into the system by political
masters in charge of budget allocations. So, for instance, the
'officially' non existent quota systems for traffic/highway patrol police,
or the task force investigations that pop up. Or answer this: When can you
get away with drink driving in NSW? I know the answer and you would be
truly horrified to hear it... Which for reasons of confidentiality, I
won't reveal.

I know that sounds dreadfully cynical, but it is devastatingly true!
Almost too hard to believe... Ultimately it comes down to what we as a
society want, and now I have created a circular argument! Bugger.

Warren Lewington
Technical Writer
Metso Minerals
Arndell Park, Sydney.
NSW, Australia. 


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