Part 3/11:
Adams observes that despite measurable decreases in crime, public perception often lags behind the statistics. High-profile incidents—such as random acts of violence or attacks by individuals with severe mental health issues—fuel fears and skew local perceptions.
He points out three factors influencing public anxiety:
Random acts of violence, even if rare, create a sense of vulnerability.
Encounters with individuals suffering from severe mental health illnesses, such as a recent stabbing in Manhattan, reinforce fears.
Repeat offenders whose criminal pursuits undermine community safety and trust in the justice system.