Factually! with Adam Conover

We Have a Warped View of Crime with Jeff Asher

Jan 8, 2025

Jeff Asher, a leading crime data expert and co-founder of AH Datalytics, dives into the stark contrast between public perception and actual crime statistics in America. He reveals how political narratives distorted the truth, fostering unfounded fears about rising crime rates. They discuss the complexities of crime reporting, biases in data collection, and the importance of accurate statistics for criminal justice reform. Asher also emphasizes the urgent need for better crime data collection methods to dispel misinformation and enhance public understanding.

01:18:32

Episode guests

Jeff Asher

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Public fear surrounding crime is largely based on sensational media reporting, which skews perceptions away from actual crime statistics.

Inconsistent reporting practices among law enforcement hinder an accurate understanding of crime trends, complicating public policy development.

Shifting focus from traditional policing to community-based social programs can address root causes of violence and improve crime prevention strategies.

Deep dives

Public Perception vs. Actual Crime Rates

There is a significant disconnect between public perception and actual crime rates in America. Despite widespread belief that crime is spiraling out of control, statistical data indicates that major crime rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels. While there was an increase in violent crime during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, rates have since fallen dramatically. The ongoing media coverage perpetuates fear, leading people to feel unsafe despite many crime rates being at historic lows.

Intro

5min

Deconstructing Crime Perceptions in America

19min

The Dangers of Personal Data and Delays in Crime Reporting

6min

Crime Data: Trends and Challenges

13min

Wellness Solutions for 2025

6min

Addressing Emergency Response Challenges in Urban Areas

2min

Policing Challenges and Community Needs

28min

Enhancing Crime Data Collection

6min

Show Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement

2min

So much of today’s political policy is shaped by the public perception of crime—but what if that perception isn’t accurate to begin with? Donald Trump essentially won the election by spinning tall tales of record-level violent crime, and instead of pushing back, the Democrats mostly went along with it. But are things really as bad as they seem? And would we even know if they were? This week, Adam sits down with Jeff Asher, a leading expert on crime data and co-founder of the analytics firm AH Datalytics, to break it all down. They discuss the reality of crime in America, how flawed crime reporting has created roadblocks to meaningful criminal justice reform, and who stands to gain from controlling the narrative around crime in our country.

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover

SEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/

SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJ

About Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum

» Advertise on Factually! via Gumball.fm

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.