Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 10: SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
COMMUNITY SAFETY
91. Perceptions of Safety
Perception of safety is important in a healthy community. Exaggerated fear can affect the quality of life for citizens. People who are afraid may be less likely to go out at night, talk to strangers or interact with young people.
The fear of being victimized by strangers is more prevalent than fear of family members. The fear of assault increases outside the city of Grand Junction (to 13.2%). In Mesa County, about 2,000 adults report fear of being victimized by friends and/or family, and 12,600 adults fear being victimized by strangers. This estimate is based on proportions of respondents to the Risk Behavior Survey.
May link to . . .
- Family Support
- Crime Rates
- Sense of Belonging
- Health and Well-Being
Figure 10-7: Fear of Crime, Mesa County
Source: Mesa County Risk Behavior Survey, 1997
92. Victims of Violent Crimes in Last Five Years
A total of 3.4% of adults in Mesa County report having been the victim of a violent crime within the past five years. This translates to approximately 2,800 adults in the area. In comparison, 2.5% of American adults have been victimized in the past five years.
The reported victimization has increased slightly in Mesa County since 1994.
Reporting of domestic violence is greatest among persons aged 18-39 and affects 3.5% of households with children.
May link to . . .
- Crime
- Education
- Economy
Figure 10-8: Victims of Crime in Mesa County and the U.S.
Source: Mesa County Risk Behavior Survey, 1997
93. Number of Reported Offenses
Because offenses are reports of crime, we do not know the age of those who committed them. The breakdown of youth and adult crimes is seen in number of arrests.
Aggravated assaults (assault with any type of weapon) lead the numbers of violent crimes and have increased 98% since 1989.
Caveat: These data reflect reports of the individual police and sheriff's departments and fluctuate somewhat due to different reporting practices.
Caution should be used when interpreting 1997 data as it only reflects Grand Junction and Mesa County Sheriff's reports.
Figure 10-9: Violent Crime Offenses
Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Department
Larceny, theft without the use of force, remains the top property crime in Mesa County. All property crime offenses have remained relatively stable since 1995 in spite of population increases.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Substance Abuse
- Alcohol Abuse
Figure 10-10: Property Crime Offenses, 1994-97
Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Department
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