According to UCR reports, what does a small segment of the US public believe about crime trends?

The belief that crime is getting worse reflects a perception that can be influenced by several factors, despite statistical evidence that may indicate a decline or stability in crime rates. This perspective often stems from media portrayals of crime, which may sensationalize violent crimes or high-profile cases, leading the public to believe that crime is rising even when it may not be supported by official data. This belief can be further fueled by personal experiences, community dynamics, and the fear of crime, which can affect individuals' views independent of actual crime trends.

In contrast to this belief, some segments of the population may perceive crime as improving or unchanged, often relying on statistical data or local experiences that might contradict general fears. Others might think crime is exaggerated, linking this perspective to distrust in media reporting or law enforcement narratives. However, the dominant view in UCR reports and surveys indicates a significant portion of the public conflates media coverage with actual trends, leading them to believe that crime is worsening.