Researchers rarely study perceptions of disorder, fear of crime, and behavioral precautions among youths, especially juvenile offenders. This study examines perceptions of neighborhood disorder, fear of general and gang crimes, and resulting precautionary behaviors while on the street among a sample of 149 incarcerated youths in Florida. The results show that neither girls nor boys perceived neighborhood disorder. Most are also not afraid. There are few significant differences between girls and boys on disorder and precautionary behaviors, but no significant differences on fear. These unexpected results may be due to sample characteristics, pointing to the need for more research.
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