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The effects of mass media on crime prevention awareness, attitudes, and behavior: The case of crime stoppers

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Abstract

Research has been limited on the effects of mass media in increasing awareness of and participation in crime prevention programs. Mass media campaigns have been criticized as ineffective because they are neither informative nor motivating. Crime Stoppers is a program that appears responsive to these criticisms. The program involves dramatic reenactment of unsolved crimes and promises monetary rewards and anonymity for persons with information leading to the arrest or conviction of criminals. The present research examines the effects of Crime Stoppers on awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Implications for theory and policy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loyola University of Chicago, USA

    Arthur J. Lurigio

  2. University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

    Dennis P. Rosenbaum

Authors
  1. Arthur J. Lurigio
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  2. Dennis P. Rosenbaum
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Lurigio, A.J., Rosenbaum, D.P. The effects of mass media on crime prevention awareness, attitudes, and behavior: The case of crime stoppers. AJCJ 15, 82–105 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885621

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