Public Attitudes Toward Gun Control - Public Responses To Crime Concerns

How many adults are so concerned about crime that they turn to guns for self-defense? According to a 2001 poll, 21% of respondents bought guns and 11% carried guns for self-defense. (See Table 8.3.) Larger percentages chose to avoid certain locations, to install special locks or burglar alarms in their homes, or to keep a dog.

In an ABC News/Court TV poll (March 2001), respondents ranked "carrying a gun, knife or other weapon" last as an effective protection against crime ("Americans Say Behaving Cautiously and Buying Good Locks Are Better Protections against Crime Than Carrying a Weapon," Public Agenda Online, http://www.publicagenda.org/issues [accessed September 28, 2004]). Outranking weapons were the following solutions:

• Tell your children not to talk to strangers.
• Have strong locks on windows and doors.
• Be extra cautious when going out alone at night.
• Have a home burglar alarm.
• Have a watchdog.
• Take self-defense lessons.
• Carry mace, pepper spray, or some other protection.
• Have a car alarm.