A survey conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics reveals that most Israelis do not feel that they can rely on Israel Police.

The poll was released on Sunday, 14 Iyar 5775 by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) addressing 2014. The poll was commissioned and paid for by the Ministry of Public Security. The survey examined the extent of civilian casualties in Israel’s crimes, the level of confidence of victims of crime in the police and the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet).

The survey indicates that during the year 2013, 714,000 people 20 or over, 13.8% of the population, suffered from various types of offences (property offences, violence and sexual abuse or various kinds).

The survey shows that victims chose not to go to the police to file a complaint in all types of offences. Victims of violent crimes and theft, the percentage of victims who choose not to file a complaint with the police is about 60% and 56% respectively. However regarding victims of offences on the internet, 91% filed with police. Only about 2% of victims of sexual assault report to police.

It should be noted the definition given to online and sexual crimes was very generic, and therefore many respondents who responded positively may not have actually been victims of these crimes and therefore did not complain to police.

Online assault was defined by reviewers by harassment via phone messages, spreading information about victims on social networks, stealing information, and phishing websites. Sexual assault was categorized globally to include inappropriate statements and so on. Unlike other offenses that were clearly defined such as theft, violence and so-forth.

Another statistic that emerges from the survey is that among the victims who chose to complain to police, the percentage of complainants to police who felt satisfied with the care received was 59%-69% among the victims of different crimes. Either way, the survey suggests a troublesome picture regarding image and trust for towards police. Even victims of real crimes feel distrust towards police, for they too feel their complaints were not properly handled and the treatment they received inadequate.

Residents of Yehuda and Shomron feel safer than other citizens

In addition, the survey measured the feeling of security of residents in different regions of the country. The feeling of personal security is highest among resident of Yehuda and Shomron. The rate of respondents who replied that the feeling of personal security is “much” or “very much” stood at 81% in Yehuda and Shomron. The city with the most troubling number in this category is Yerushalayim, with only 65% of residents feeling “much” or “very much” security.

In the other areas of the country examined the rating of “much” or “very much” security was 75%.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)