Why "tough on crime" policies are popular

A recent Harris-Decima poll has found that Canadians don't have a clue about crime:

Most Canadians believe crime is increasing, despite statistics to the contrary, a new poll suggests.

According to the Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey, 57% of respondents nationwide said crime is on the rise.

Only 10% said the crime rate has decreased over the last couple of years, as is actually the case. Thirty per cent said they believe it has remained relatively stable.

The perception that crime is increasing was particularly strong among women — 65% versus 49% of men.

And it was most marked in Alberta and British Columbia, where 73% and 69% respectively said the crime rate is worsening.

But actual crime statistics suggest those fears are unfounded.

Statistics Canada reports that the national crime rate dipped to its lowest level in 30 years in 2007, the most recent year for which data are available.

From the London Free Press. Blame the 24-hour news cycle, plus numerous reruns of Law and Order and CSI. Of course, the authorities love this, because it's easier to sell the public on increasing the numbers of police. This in turn creates more opportunities for stuff like this.