The Influence of a Serial Killer on Changes in Fear of Crime and the Use of Protective Measures: A Survey-Based Case Study of Baton Rouge

Abstract

When a serial killer is present, the media and local authorities often claim that public attitudes and behaviors change sharply, usually becoming more fearful and less outgoing. Unfortunately, much of the evidence on this score is either speculative or anecdotal. This study reports quantified results from a series of surveys conducted over the course of a serial killing spree in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The temporal trend in fear of crime is punctuated by a moderate increase during the serial killing spree, and a sharp decline after the apprehension of the serial killer. Moreover, post apprehension data reveal that nearly 56% of respondents report experiencing an increase in their fear of crime specifically in response to the serial killer. This was fairly evenly distributed across races and marital statuses, but, as expected, females and younger people were more likely to report increases in fear. Additionally, 46% of respondents took the extra step of implementing some sort of protective measure, with the most frequent being carrying mace or pepper spray or adding a security device to their home. In the latter case, respondents were motivated by a mix of concern over their own safety and that of their family.