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Perception vs. Reality: UCLA Luskin’s Jorja Leap Talks Crime Coverage with ABC7

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Social Welfare Professor Jorja Leap was quoted in an ABC7 News story examining crime trends in Los Angeles. While data shows violent and property crimes are down 17% in the city, Leap explained that the rise of social media, true crime entertainment, and political rhetoric amplify fear, creating a perception of rising crime despite the statistics.

“I think we’ve got a collective PTSD, and I’m not being flippant,” Leap said.

“You go to divert yourself, and what do you watch? A murder mystery,” Leap added.

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Faculty Mentioned in this Article
jorja

Jorja Leap

Adjunct Professor of Social Welfare; Executive Director, Social Justice Partnership; Co-Founder and Director, Watts Leadership Institute

Jorja Leap has been on the faculty UCLA Luskin School Social Welfare Department faculty since 1992 and serves as the...

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