From Oct 18, 2021 until Nov 1, 2021, New Hanover County surveyed residents about school and community safety and communication issues. The survey was promoted in a variety of ways, including on social media, online and in videos. The survey was available in both English and Spanish. The survey received a total of 2,240 responses which represents roughly 1% of the total population of New Hanover County.
Around 80 percent of those who were surveyed answered they were a parent or guardian. Race was also taken into account: 70% responded as white, 18% responded “prefer not to say,” and 6% responded as Black or African American. According to the survey, the 2020 Decennial Census reported the racial breakdown of New Hanover County is 74% white, 12% Black or African American, 8 percent are Hispanic or Latino and another 6% are 'other minority.'
The survey data shows a majority of people, 80.18%, feel safe in their neighborhood. When it comes to reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, 72% of respondents feel comfortable.
However, only 50% of Black and African American respondents and 48% of Hispanic and Latino respondents feel comfortable. And breaking it down by age, only 50% of respondents under 25 and those who chose “Prefer not to say” feel comfortable.
In the case of school officials, 67% feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity. However, when it comes to trusting corrective action will be taken, it’s split almost evenly in thirds: 31.52% of people agree, 30% are neutral, and a slight majority of 37.6% of people disagree.
Sixty-five percent of people, regardless of race, believe bullying is a problem in New Hanover County schools, but only 17 percent of them think reports about bullying are adequately addressed and responded to by school administration. In a racial breakdown, Black and African Americans make up the majority of those who don’t believe bullying is properly addressed, at 78 percent.
Another issue expressed through the survey was communication — especially in an emergency. Roughly 40% responded that they knew how to find or receive crucial information related to a school emergency — but 34% said they didn't.
NHC Safety Survey Report - Final by Ben Schachtman on Scribd