Factually! with Adam Conover We Have a Warped View of Crime with Jeff Asher
13 snips
Jan 8, 2025 Jeff Asher, a leading crime data expert and co-founder of AH Datalytics, dives into the stark contrast between public perception and actual crime statistics in America. He reveals how political narratives distorted the truth, fostering unfounded fears about rising crime rates. They discuss the complexities of crime reporting, biases in data collection, and the importance of accurate statistics for criminal justice reform. Asher also emphasizes the urgent need for better crime data collection methods to dispel misinformation and enhance public understanding.
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Homelessness and Crime Perception
- While homelessness isn't a crime, it fosters a sense of disorder and unease.
- This perception contributes to inflated crime fears, even without actual criminal activity.
Vibes-Based Crime Statistics
- Crime statistics are often vibes-based due to a lack of clear, up-to-date data.
- People rely on recent anecdotes and media portrayals, creating a skewed perception.
Missing 2021 Crime Data
- In 2021, during a crime spike, California and New York didn't report crime statistics to the FBI.
- Politicians in both states used this to push "tough-on-crime" agendas.