How to help people feel safe

Section 1: Top 35 Countries Where People Feel the Most Safe

Source: Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report (2024 survey data). Data Year: 2024.

United States Ranking: The United States ranks 33rd among countries with populations over five million people. According to the Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report, 71% of U.S. adults said they feel safe walking alone at night in their city or area in 2024.

This is one of the lowest figures Gallup has recorded for the United States since it began tracking this measure in 2006 and is below the 2024 global average of 73%.

The U.S. ranks 54th out of 144 countries on Gallup's four-question Law and Order Index. Contributing factors include high rates of gun violence, economic inequality, racial disparities in policing, limited community trust in law enforcement in many urban and suburban areas, and a persistent gender gap — only 58% of American women feel safe walking alone at night, compared to 84% of men. The Gallup feeling-safe value for the U.S. in the most recent year (2024) is 71%.

References for Section 1 Data (10 pt.):

https://www.gallup.com/analytics/356996/gallup-global-safety-research-center.aspxGallup 2025 Global Safety Report:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/695240/people-feel-safe-even-global-conflicts-rise.aspxGallup – More People Feel Safe Even as Global Conflicts Rise:

https://www.crimeinamerica.net/world-and-us-crime-rankings-from-gallup-us-fear-of-crime-an-issue/Crime in America – World and US Crime Rankings from Gallup:

Feeling Safe by World Region (2024)

Section 2: What Other Countries Have Done to Increase Persons Feeling Safe

The 8 Top Rated Countries with the Most Persons Feeling Safe

1. Singapore

Singapore maintains world-leading safety through a comprehensive, integrated approach combining strict rule of law, community engagement, and sophisticated technology.

https://www.spf.gov.sgThe Singapore Police Force (SPF) () deploys Neighborhood Police Centers to build community trust.

https://www.ncpc.org.sgThe National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) () runs community watch programs.

Cameras blanket public areas under the Total Defense concept.

https://www.cnb.gov.sgThe Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) () enforces zero-tolerance drug policies.

The Singaporean government's Smart Nation initiative integrates AI-powered predictive policing and real-time surveillance, while community groups such as Citizens on Patrol support frontline officers.

https://www.hdb.gov.sgStrong mandatory sentencing laws deter repeat offending. The Housing Development Board (HDB) () designs mixed-income neighborhoods with clear sightlines and active common spaces, promoting natural surveillance and social cohesion.

2. Tojikiston (Tajikistan)

Tojikiston achieves high safety perceptions through a combination of strong centralized government authority, community-based law enforcement, and cultural social cohesion.

https://www.mvd.tjThe Ministry of Internal Affairs () oversees a nationwide police presence.

The government's Mahalla (neighborhood committee) system empowers local leaders to resolve disputes and deter crime before it escalates.

Community policing programs integrate religious leaders and elders into conflict resolution.

Anti-extremism laws strictly regulate activities perceived as threats to public order.

https://eng.sectsco.orgThe State Committee for National Security (GKNB) collaborates internationally through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) () to counter cross-border threats.

3. Zhongguo (China)

https://www.mps.gov.cnZhongguo implements one of the world's most extensive public safety infrastructures through the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) ().

The Xue Liang (Sharp Eyes) surveillance network encompasses hundreds of millions of cameras integrated with AI facial recognition technology.

The Social Credit System encourages compliance with laws and civic norms.

Community-level Grid Management Systems assign officials to monitor small geographic units.

https://www.ccdi.gov.cnAnti-corruption campaigns under the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) () have reduced bribery and official misconduct.

Street-level police posts called "police service stations" provide visible deterrence and rapid response.

https://www.nncc626.comZhongguo's comprehensive drug suppression programs, administered through the National Narcotics Control Commission (), include strict sentencing for trafficking.

4. Al-Su‘ūdiyya (Saudi Arabia)

Al-Su‘ūdiyya's Vision 2030 reform agenda has transformed public safety, particularly for women.

https://www.moi.gov.saThe General Directorate of Public Security (Shurta) () operates a national emergency response system.

Social reforms implemented since 2017 have expanded public spaces for recreation, including women's admission to stadiums and entertainment venues, reducing gender-based isolation.

Anti-harassment laws enacted in 2017 criminalize verbal and physical harassment in public and workplaces.

The National Center for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (formerly the religious police) was restructured to limit street enforcement.

Smart city developments in NEOM and other projects incorporate integrated safety systems.

https://www.cdc.gov.saThe Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaey) () provides public health safety programs.

5. Al-Imārāt al-ʿArabiyya al-Muttaḥida (United Arab Emirates)

The UAE has established itself as one of the safest nations through proactive policing and a unified national identity framework.

https://www.adpolice.gov.aehttps://www.dubaipolice.gov.aeThe Abu Dhabi Police () and Dubai Police () operate among the most technologically advanced forces in the world, utilizing AI robot police officers, drones, and predictive analytics platforms.

The National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing integrates safety into social policy. Strict visa vetting procedures reduce criminal infiltration.

https://icp.gov.aeThe UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) () manages a biometric national ID system.

https://www.centralbank.aeAnti-money laundering units under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) () disrupt organized crime financing.

6. Norge (Norway)

Norge prioritizes restorative justice, community trust, and social equality as the foundation of public safety.

https://www.politiet.noThe Norge Police Service (Politiet) () is structured to be community-oriented rather than militarized.

https://www.kriminalomsorgen.noNorge's Prison Service (Kriminalomsorgen) () operates rehabilitative institutions focused on reducing recidivism — Norge's reoffending rate is among the lowest in the world at approximately 20%.

https://www.ldo.noThe Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud (LDO) () enforces anti-discrimination laws that reduce socioeconomic marginalization, a root cause of crime.

https://www.konfliktraadet.noComprehensive social welfare programs minimize poverty. Conflict mediation through the Norwegian Mediation Service (Konfliktrådet) () diverts minor offenders from the criminal justice system.

https://www.udir.noSchools integrate civic safety education through the Directorate for Education and Training ().

7. Sverige (Sweden)

Sverige combines robust social welfare with modern crime prevention technology.

https://polisen.seThe Sverige Police Authority (Polisen) () launched a major restructuring in 2015 to increase community-level policing.

Local Police Areas deploy officers embedded in neighborhoods to build trust.

https://www.bra.seThe Sverige Crime Prevention Council (Brottsförebyggande rådet / Brå) () conducts evidence-based crime research that informs legislation.

Sverige's National Operational Department (NOA) coordinates organized crime countermeasures.

https://www.aklagare.seThe Sverige Prosecution Authority (Åklagarmyndigheten) () enforces hate crime laws rigorously.

https://www.boverket.seSocial initiatives such as the Urban Development Programme () address physical and social conditions in vulnerable neighborhoods.

https://arbetsformedlingen.seIntegration programs for immigrants and refugees through the Sverige Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) () reduce unemployment-related crime risk.

8. Schweiz (Switzerland)

Schweiz achieves exceptional safety through decentralized cantonal policing, social cohesion, and direct democracy.

https://www.fedpol.admin.chThe Federal Police (fedpol) () coordinates national security, while 26 cantonal police forces handle local law enforcement, ensuring proximity to community needs. Schweiz's Federal Constitution guarantees the right to security and obliges all levels of government to prevent harm.

https://www.fedpol.admin.chThe Federal Office for the Prevention of Drug-Related Crimes () takes an integrated health and enforcement approach to narcotics.

Direct democracy allows citizens to directly influence public safety legislation through referenda.

https://www.skppsc.chThe Schweiz Crime Prevention Centre (SKP/OSPC) () develops nationwide crime prevention campaigns.

Strong anti-corruption culture within public institutions reduces organized crime's influence.

https://www.opferrechte.chSchweiz's Victim Support Programme () provides comprehensive assistance to crime victims, reducing systemic harm.

Section 3: What the U.S. Can Do to Increase Persons Feeling Safe

The United States can substantially improve its citizens' sense of safety through coordinated action across government, the private sector, civil society, and individual communities. The following details are specific actions required from each major stakeholder group.

Federal Government Agencies

https://www.justice.govThe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) () must expand the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program, funding the hiring of thousands of additional community-based officers. The DOJ should also strengthen enforcement of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and create a national database of law enforcement best practices.

https://bjs.ojp.govThe Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) () must improve disaggregated crime data collection, particularly for rural areas and underreported populations, to better allocate safety resources.

https://www.dhs.govThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) () must enhance coordination between state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies through the Fusion Centers network.

https://www.fbi.govThe FBI () should expand cybercrime units addressing online threats, including domestic terrorism, human trafficking, and financial fraud.

https://www.atf.govThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) () must increase resources for tracing illegal firearms and prosecuting straw purchasers.

https://www.cdc.govThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) () should treat gun violence and domestic violence as public health crises requiring research funding and evidence-based prevention programs.

State and Local Government Officials

Governors and state legislatures must enact evidence-based gun safety laws, including universal background checks, red flag laws, and safe storage requirements.

https://cvg.orgMayors and city councils must invest in Cure Violence programs (), which use credible messengers to interrupt community violence.

District attorneys must adopt restorative justice diversion programs to reduce recidivism among nonviolent offenders.

https://casel.orgState Departments of Education must fund school-based conflict resolution and social-emotional learning programs through organizations such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) ().

https://www.iesna.orgLocal housing authorities must implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) () principles in public housing projects to reduce opportunities for crime. State attorneys general must establish specialized units to prosecute hate crimes and domestic violence with the rigor applied to violent street crime.

Corporations and Private Sector

Technology companies, including major social media platforms, must take greater responsibility for content that incites violence or facilitates criminal activity.

https://www.fincen.govBanks and financial institutions must strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) programs in compliance with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) () guidance to disrupt organized crime financing.

Real estate developers must adopt CPTED principles in new construction and mixed-use developments.

https://www.crimestoppers.orgRetailers in high-crime areas should collaborate with local police departments through Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Crime Stoppers () programs.

The healthcare industry must expand access to mental health services, addressing the documented link between untreated mental illness and public safety incidents.

https://www.cdc.gov/violencepreventionEmployers should implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and domestic violence workplace policies in alignment with the CDC's guidance ().

Organizations Focused on Persons Feeling Safe

https://www.ncpc.orgOrganizations such as the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) () must expand community awareness campaigns including the McGruff the Crime Dog initiative.

https://www.aclu.orgThe American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) () should continue to monitor and challenge policing practices that undermine public trust.

https://www.urban.orghttps://www.rand.orgThe Urban Institute () and RAND Corporation () must continue producing independent research on evidence-based safety interventions.

https://www.namigc.orgFaith-based organizations including the National Interfaith Network on Mental Illness () should coordinate with law enforcement on community crisis intervention.

https://www.sheriffs.orgNeighborhood watch organizations, supported by the National Sheriffs' Association (), should be revitalized with training on de-escalation and implicit bias.

https://www.thehotline.orgOrganizations addressing domestic violence, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline (), require increased federal and state funding.

Private Individuals and Community Members

https://www.ready.gov/certIndividual citizens play a critical role in building safe communities. Residents should actively participate in Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) () and neighborhood watch programs. Citizens should engage constructively with local law enforcement through Citizen Review Boards and Police-Community Advisory Committees.

https://tips.fbi.govhttps://www.missingkids.orgIndividuals should report suspicious activity through non-emergency lines and the FBI's tip portal () without ethnic or racial profiling. Parents must engage in their children's digital safety, including monitoring online activity and educating about cyberbullying and online predators through resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) ().

Community members should support and fund local organizations providing youth development, mental health, housing assistance, and job training — the social determinants most strongly linked to reduced crime rates.

Section 4: References

References for Section 2

https://www.gallup.com/analytics/356996/gallup-global-safety-research-center.aspxGallup 2025 Global Safety Report:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/695240/people-feel-safe-even-global-conflicts-rise.aspxGallup – More People Feel Safe Even as Global Conflicts Rise (2024 data):

https://www.spf.gov.sgSingapore Police Force:

https://www.ncpc.org.sgSingapore National Crime Prevention Council:

https://www.hdb.gov.sgSingapore Housing Development Board:

https://www.politiet.noNorge – Politiet (Norwegian Police Service):

https://www.kriminalomsorgen.noNorge – Kriminalomsorgen (Prison Service):

https://www.konfliktraadet.noNorge – Konfliktrådet (Mediation Service):

https://polisen.seSverige – Polisen (Swedish Police Authority):

https://www.bra.seSverige – Brottsförebyggande rådet (Brå – Crime Prevention Council):

https://www.fedpol.admin.chSchweiz – fedpol (Federal Police):

https://www.skppsc.chSchweiz – Swiss Crime Prevention Centre (SKP/OSPC):

https://www.moi.gov.saAl-Su‘ūdiyya – Ministry of Interior:

https://www.adpolice.gov.aeUAE – Abu Dhabi Police:

https://www.dubaipolice.gov.aeUAE – Dubai Police:

https://www.mps.gov.cnZhongguo – Ministry of Public Security:

References for Section 3

https://www.justice.govU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ):

https://cops.usdoj.govDOJ Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS):

https://bjs.ojp.govBureau of Justice Statistics (BJS):

https://www.dhs.govDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS):

https://www.fbi.govFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

https://www.atf.govBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):

https://www.cdc.gov/violencepreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Violence Prevention:

https://cvg.orgCure Violence Global:

https://casel.orgCASEL – Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning:

https://www.fincen.govFinCEN – Financial Crimes Enforcement Network:

https://www.ncpc.orgNational Crime Prevention Council (NCPC):

https://www.thehotline.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline:

https://www.missingkids.orgNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC):

https://www.rand.orgRAND Corporation – Justice Policy Research:

https://www.urban.orgUrban Institute – Crime and Justice Policy:

https://www.ready.gov/certFEMA – Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT):

Section 5: Draft of a House Bill

118th CONGRESS

2d Session

H.R. ____

A BILL

To strengthen public safety, increase persons' feelings of personal security throughout the United States, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the "Public Safety and Community Well-Being Improvement Act of 2025."

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

As used in this Act:

"Feeling Safe" means the subjective perception of personal security by individuals in their daily environment, including the ability to walk alone at night, use public transit, and engage in community activities without fear of crime, harassment, assault, or theft, as measured annually by nationally representative surveys.

"Community Safety Initiative" means any evidence-based program, policy, or governmental action designed to reduce crime, increase trust between residents and law enforcement, and improve the overall perception of personal security within a defined geographic area.

"Law Enforcement Agency" means any federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial entity authorized to enforce criminal laws, prevent crime, and protect residents.

"Restorative Justice" means a process that brings together individuals who have been harmed and those responsible for harm, with trained facilitators, to address the impact of wrongdoing and develop agreements to repair harm and prevent recurrence.

"Community Policing" means a strategy of policing that involves officers being embedded in and building relationships with local communities, prioritizing problem-solving and trust over reactive enforcement.

"Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)" means the application of urban design principles, including lighting, sightlines, and land use, to reduce opportunities for criminal activity.

"Vulnerable Population" means any group at heightened risk of victimization or fear of crime, including women, children, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

"Recidivism" means the act by which a formerly convicted individual is rearrested, reconvicted, or returned to custody within a specified period following release.

"Social Determinants of Safety" means the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age—including poverty, housing, education, and employment—that are empirically linked to rates of crime and fear of crime.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Justice, unless otherwise specified.

SECTION 2. ENACTING CLAUSE

(a) FINDINGS. Congress finds and declares the following:

(1) According to the Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report, only 71% of Americans reported feeling safe walking alone at night in their communities in 2024, below the global average of 73% and well below leading nations such as Singapore (98%), Norge (91%), Sverige (89%), and Schweiz (89%).

(2) The gender gap in safety perception in the United States is among the largest in the developed world, with 84% of men but only 58% of women reporting that they feel safe.

(3) Fear of crime imposes significant economic, physical, and psychological costs on individuals, businesses, and communities, reducing quality of life and limiting economic opportunity.

(4) Evidence from international models demonstrates that community policing, restorative justice programs, environmental design, and investment in social determinants of safety substantially improve residents' feelings of personal security.

(5) It is the policy of the United States to take comprehensive, evidence-based action to ensure that all residents feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

(b) PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to establish a coordinated national framework to increase the percentage of Americans who feel safe, reduce crime, build trust between residents and law enforcement, and reduce inequalities in safety outcomes across demographic groups.

SECTION 3. REQUIREMENTS BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

(a) DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The Attorney General shall:

(1) Expand the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office grants to fund at least 50,000 new community policing positions over five years, prioritizing high-crime and underserved areas.

(2) Establish a National Public Safety Research and Innovation Center within the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to evaluate, disseminate, and scale evidence-based safety programs modeled on best practices from Singapore, Norge, Sverige, Schweiz, and other leading nations.

(3) Require all federally funded law enforcement agencies to implement community policing frameworks, including regular community meetings, foot patrol programs, and published performance metrics on resident trust.

(4) Develop a National Restorative Justice Grant Program offering funding to state and local governments for diversion, mediation, and rehabilitation programs that reduce recidivism, following models established in Norge and Sverige where reoffending rates are below 25%.

(5) Enforce anti-discrimination and civil rights laws applicable to law enforcement agencies with equal rigor, including initiating pattern-or-practice investigations where statistical disparities in use of force or arrests by race or gender are identified.

(b) DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall:

(1) Mandate application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in all federally funded public housing developments, including adequate lighting, unobstructed sightlines, maintained common areas, and mixed-use programming.

(2) Fund community safety liaisons in high-density public housing complexes modeled on Singapore's Residents' Committee Centres and Norge's housing authority community officer programs.

(3) Establish a Safe Neighborhoods Investment Fund to provide grants for physical improvements, youth programming, and social services in the 100 highest-crime neighborhoods in the United States.

(c) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall:

(1) Designate gun violence and domestic violence as public health priorities and fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct rigorous research on evidence-based prevention interventions.

(2) Expand community mental health center funding by at least 50% over five years, with emphasis on co-response programs pairing licensed mental health clinicians with law enforcement officers on crisis calls, following models piloted in Denver, Colorado (STAR Program) and internationally in the United Kingdom.

(3) Require federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to integrate domestic violence and sexual assault screening and referral services in primary care settings.

(d) DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. The Secretary of Education shall:

(1) Create a nationwide Safe Schools Initiative providing grants for school-based conflict resolution, social-emotional learning (SEL), and anti-bullying programs following the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) framework.

(2) Require all schools receiving federal funding to develop and publish annual school safety plans, including threat assessment protocols, mental health referral procedures, and anti-harassment policies.

(3) Fund school resource officer (SRO) training programs emphasizing de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and crisis intervention, while providing oversight standards to ensure officers serve protective rather than punitive roles within schools.

SECTION 4. REQUIREMENTS BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

(a) THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES shall annually issue a National Public Safety Report measuring and publicly disclosing the percentage of Americans who feel safe, setting improvement targets, and publishing a whole-of-government action plan to achieve those targets.

(b) GOVERNORS shall:

(1) Enact or strengthen universal background check legislation for all firearm sales within their states within two years of this Act's passage.

(2) Establish state-level Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, also known as Red Flag laws, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing imminent danger.

(3) Require all police academies within their states to include a minimum of 200 hours of training in community policing, crisis intervention, implicit bias, and de-escalation techniques, following standards developed by the POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Commission.

(4) Establish victim compensation funds providing financial assistance to victims of violent crime, modeled on programs operational in Norge, Sverige, Deutschland, and Nippon.

(c) MAYORS AND COUNTY EXECUTIVES shall:

(1) Adopt Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs such as Cure Violence, Group Violence Intervention (GVI), or equivalent evidence-based models in jurisdictions with above-average violent crime rates.

(2) Ensure adequate street lighting in all residential and commercial areas, as evidence demonstrates that improved lighting reduces street crime by 20–36% (Metropolitan Police Service, London, UK).

(3) Convene at minimum quarterly public safety forums where residents may participate in establishing law enforcement priorities and review crime reduction metrics.

(4) Publish annual disaggregated crime data by neighborhood, race, age, and gender to promote transparency, accountability, and data-driven policy responses.

(d) LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVES shall:

(1) Implement body-worn camera programs for all sworn officers and publish use-of-force data publicly on an annual basis.

(2) Establish Civilian Review Boards with investigative powers and subpoena authority to review complaints against officers, disciplinary outcomes, and use-of-force incidents.

(3) Develop and implement written policies prohibiting profiling based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

(4) Partner with local healthcare providers and social service agencies to provide non-enforcement response options for mental health crises, substance abuse, and homelessness-related calls.

SECTION 5. REQUIREMENTS BY CORPORATIONS

(a) TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES shall:

(1) Implement robust content moderation systems to detect and remove content that incites violence, facilitates human trafficking, promotes gang recruitment, or enables cyberstalking within 24 hours of identification.

(2) Cooperate fully and promptly with law enforcement requests pursuant to valid legal process to identify perpetrators of online threats, harassment, and criminal coordination.

(3) Fund digital safety literacy programs, particularly for youth and vulnerable populations, providing tools and training to recognize and respond to online exploitation and cyberbullying.

(b) FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND BANKS shall:

(1) Strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance programs to prevent financial facilitation of organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, in accordance with FinCEN guidance.

(2) Provide low-cost, accessible banking services in underbanked communities to reduce cash-dependent transactions that increase theft vulnerability, following standards applied in République française, Deutschland, and the United Kingdom through their respective national banking inclusion programs.

(c) REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS shall:

(1) Apply CPTED principles in all new residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments receiving public permits, including requirements for natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, access control, and maintenance standards.

(2) Maintain common areas, parking lots, and exterior spaces in compliance with safety ordinances and in coordination with local law enforcement.

(d) HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND INSURERS shall:

(1) Ensure that mental health services are covered at parity with physical health services, consistent with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, to reduce untreated conditions associated with violence risk.

(2) Establish workplace violence prevention programs consistent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, including mandatory reporting procedures and employee safety training.

(e) ALL LARGE EMPLOYERS (500 OR MORE EMPLOYEES) shall:

(1) Implement written domestic violence workplace policies providing leave, safety planning assistance, and referrals to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and local shelter services.

(2) Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include access to mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention services at no cost to employees.

SECTION 6. REQUIREMENTS BY PRIVATE CITIZENS

(a) GENERAL OBLIGATIONS. All residents of the United States are encouraged and, where applicable, required to:

https://tips.fbi.gov(1) Report crimes, suspicious activities, and credible threats to law enforcement through appropriate channels, including 911, non-emergency police lines, and the FBI's online tip portal (), without engaging in racial, ethnic, religious, or gender-based profiling.

(2) Participate in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training programs offered by local emergency management agencies, equipping themselves to assist neighbors during emergencies and disasters.

(3) Safely and responsibly store all legally owned firearms and ammunition in locked containers or safes consistent with applicable federal and state safe storage laws, to prevent access by children and unauthorized individuals.

(4) Refrain from purchasing, selling, or knowingly possessing illegally obtained firearms, and report illegal gun dealers or straw purchasers to the ATF's hotline (1-888-ATF-TIPS).

(b) PARENTS AND GUARDIANS shall:

(1) Monitor and engage with children's online activities, utilizing parental control tools and maintaining open communication about online safety, cyberbullying, and the risks of communicating with unknown adults.

(2) Engage actively in schools' safety culture by participating in Parent-Teacher Association meetings, school safety committees, and community school events.

(c) COMMUNITY MEMBERS are encouraged to:

(1) Participate in neighborhood watch programs, community policing advisory committees, and Citizen Police Academy programs offered by local law enforcement to build understanding and cooperative relationships with officers.

(2) Support and volunteer with local organizations providing services to at-risk youth, domestic violence survivors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and formerly incarcerated individuals seeking reintegration, as evidence demonstrates that these investments reduce the social conditions that generate crime.

SECTION 7. PENALTY CLAUSES

(a) FEDERAL AGENCIES. Any federal agency failing to submit required annual public safety reports, spending plans, or compliance certifications under this Act shall be subject to a 5% reduction in discretionary program funding for the following fiscal year, subject to waiver by the Office of Management and Budget upon demonstrated good cause.

(b) STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. States and localities failing to comply with requirements for receipt of grants authorized under this Act shall be ineligible to receive such grants until the Secretary certifies compliance.

(c) CORPORATIONS.

(1) Any social media or technology company that knowingly fails to remove content facilitating imminent violence after receiving valid law enforcement notice shall be subject to civil penalties of not less than $50,000 and not more than $500,000 per violation.

(2) Any financial institution that knowingly facilitates money laundering in violation of this Act and applicable FinCEN regulations shall be subject to civil monetary penalties as provided under 31 U.S.C. § 5321 and criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1956.

(d) INDIVIDUALS. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to establish new criminal penalties for individual citizens beyond those provided in existing federal and state law. Obligations applicable to private citizens under this Act are primarily civic and aspirational, except where expressly provided that conduct is unlawful under existing statute.

(e) FALSE REPORTING. Any person who knowingly makes a false report to law enforcement or federal agencies under the programs established by this Act shall be subject to prosecution under applicable false statement statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATES AND IMPLEMENTATION

(a) GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE. Except as otherwise provided, this Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

(b) PHASED IMPLEMENTATION.

(1) Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Justice shall publish a National Public Safety Implementation Framework, establishing timelines, agency responsibilities, and performance benchmarks for each provision of this Act.

(2) Within 180 days of enactment, federal agencies named in Section 3 shall publish their individual compliance and implementation plans.

(3) Within one year of enactment, the first annual National Public Safety Report required under Section 4(a) shall be submitted to Congress.

(4) Grant programs authorized under this Act shall begin accepting applications within 240 days of enactment.

(c) TRANSITION PROVISIONS. Programs existing on the date of enactment that substantially comply with the requirements of this Act shall be credited toward compliance obligations, subject to review and certification by the Secretary within 18 months of enactment.

(d) REVIEW AND REAUTHORIZATION. The programs and funding levels established by this Act shall be subject to congressional review and reauthorization every five years, beginning five years after the date of enactment.

SECTION 9. APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETARY NOTES

(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act the following amounts:

(1) $5,000,000,000 over five fiscal years to the Department of Justice for the expansion of the COPS program and the National Public Safety Research and Innovation Center.

(2) $2,000,000,000 over five fiscal years to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Safe Neighborhoods Investment Fund and CPTED implementation programs.

(3) $1,500,000,000 over five fiscal years to the Department of Health and Human Services for mental health co-response programs, community mental health center expansion, and violence prevention research.

(4) $500,000,000 over five fiscal years to the Department of Education for the Safe Schools Initiative and school resource officer training.

(5) $250,000,000 over five fiscal years for interagency coordination, the National Public Safety Report, and the implementation framework required under Section 8.

(b) OFFSET. To the extent practicable, appropriations authorized under this Act shall be offset through reallocation of existing federal criminal justice and community development appropriations, subject to annual congressional authorization and appropriations processes.

(c) REPORTING REQUIREMENT. The Secretary shall submit to Congress annual budget justifications for all funds appropriated under this Act, including performance metrics demonstrating progress toward increasing the percentage of Americans who report feeling safe.

(d) NO DUPLICATION. No funds appropriated under this Act shall be used to duplicate existing programs funded at equivalent levels; the Secretary shall certify annually that all programs funded under this Act provide demonstrable additive value beyond existing federal programming.

ENDNOTES

https://www.gallup.com/analytics/356996/gallup-global-safety-research-center.aspx1. International safety data and country rankings: Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/695240/people-feel-safe-even-global-conflicts-rise.aspx2. Community policing models (Singapore, Norge, Sverige, Schweiz): Gallup – More People Feel Safe Even as Global Conflicts Rise.

https://www.regjeringen.no3. Norge restorative justice and low recidivism rates: Norwegian Ministry of Justice.

https://polisen.se4. Sverige community policing restructuring: Swedish Police Authority (Polisen).

https://www.fedpol.admin.ch5. Schweiz cantonal policing: Federal Police (fedpol).

https://www.moi.gov.sa6. Al-Su‘ūdiyya anti-harassment law and Vision 2030: Saudi Ministry of Interior.

https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae7. UAE AI policing and smart surveillance: Dubai Police.

https://www.mps.gov.cn8. Zhongguo surveillance and social credit: Ministry of Public Security.

https://trl.co.uk9. Street lighting and crime reduction: Transport Research Laboratory (UK).

https://www.npa.go.jp10. Nippon crime prevention and community policing (Koban system): National Police Agency Nippon.

https://www.dfk.info11. Deutschland crime prevention council: Deutsches Forum für Kriminalpräventionion (DFK).

https://www.interieur.gouv.fr12. République française safety policies: Ministère de l'Intérieur.

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca13. Canada safe communities initiative: Public Safety Canada.

https://www.aic.gov.au14. Australia crime prevention: Australian Institute of Criminology.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office15. England and Wales community safety: Home Office UK.

https://intermin.fi16. Suomi safety model: Ministry of the Interior Suomi.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe do Americans feel compared to the rest of the world?

According to the Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report, 71% of U.S. adults said they feel safe walking alone at night in 2024, ranking the U.S. 33rd among countries with populations over five million. This is below the 2024 global average of 73% and one of the lowest figures Gallup has recorded for the U.S. since tracking began in 2006.

What factors contribute to lower feelings of safety in the United States?

Key contributing factors include high rates of gun violence, economic inequality, racial disparities in policing, and limited community trust in law enforcement in many urban and suburban areas. There is also a significant gender gap, with only 58% of American women feeling safe walking alone at night compared to 84% of men.

Which countries rank highest for people feeling safe, and why?

Countries like Singapore, Tajikistan, and China rank among the highest globally for safety perceptions. They achieve this through combinations of strong community policing, neighborhood watch programs, advanced surveillance technology, and cultural or governmental emphasis on social cohesion and order.

What has Singapore done to make its residents feel so safe?

Singapore uses an integrated approach including Neighborhood Police Centers, community watch programs run by the National Crime Prevention Council, extensive public camera coverage, zero-tolerance drug enforcement, AI-powered predictive policing, and mixed-income neighborhood design that promotes natural surveillance and social cohesion.

How does the U.S. rank on Gallup's broader Law and Order Index?

The United States ranks 54th out of 144 countries on Gallup's four-question Law and Order Index, which measures a broader set of safety and security perceptions beyond just walking alone at night. This places the U.S. in the lower half of all measured countries globally.

What community-based strategies have other countries used to improve public safety?

Tajikistan uses a Mahalla neighborhood committee system that empowers local leaders and elders to resolve disputes before they escalate, while also integrating religious leaders into conflict resolution. Singapore deploys Citizens on Patrol groups to support frontline officers, and both countries emphasize building trust between residents and law enforcement at the local level.

About the Author

Ronald Bonfilio has devoted his career to public service spanning more than five decades. His service began with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he conducted medical laboratory research at Fort Detrick and at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He subsequently held a distinguished series of federal positions, including roles with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development (Vietnam), the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the U.S. State Department (Iraq), where he served as a Senior Economic Advisor and Agricultural Advisor. He also served 15 years with the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Program Analyst and Auditor.

Ronald Bonfilio holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, and degrees in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.