Local Resident Perceptions of Border Security Dynamics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to explore perceptions of border security amongst residents of Grand Island, New York, living on the Canada – United States (U.S.) border (N194). The author found that perceptions of border security issues have softened a bit since the 2006 survey. In 2006, there were generally heightened feelings that the border between Canada and the U.S. along the Niagara River was a dangerous place. The author's 2012 survey reveals that fewer people feel as strongly about the subject as they did in 2006. In 2012, many men shifted from the strongest feelings that the border was not very dangerous (5) to a more muted not dangerous (4). Many men shifted to their perception of this border region as slightly more dangerous than in 2006. Women, many of whom felt that the border was dangerous, shifted to a more muted neutral or softer position. Women were found to have changed their personal safety habits more frequently than men.