New research from King's College London has found that the public in England and Wales overestimates the number of minority ethnic people who are killers and the number of foreign national offenders.
A YouGov survey of 1,800 individuals in England and Wales revealed that people thought 55% of convicted killers were from an ethnic minority, whereas the actual percentage is 35%. Similarly, the public believed white people committed 45% of homicides, when the real figure stands at 64%.
The survey also showed that respondents overestimated the presence of foreign national offenders, believing they made up 25% of the prison population, compared to the actual 12%. Public estimates for foreigners committing sexual offences were 30%, double the real figure of 15%.
Reform voters' perceptions were found to be the most inaccurate. They believed 70% of killers were from ethnic minorities, 10% higher than voters of any other party. Reform supporters also thought 50% of sexual offences were committed by foreign nationals, 20% higher than Conservative supporters.
Professor Bobby Duffy of King's College suggested that misperceptions are partly driven by what people worry about and the information they receive. He noted that those concerned about immigration and diversity might give more attention to information that aligns with their views.
The study also indicated that 52% of respondents believed ethnic or religious minorities were sentenced differently for crimes, with 29% thinking they received more lenient sentences and 23% believing they were sentenced more harshly. Professor Duffy highlighted that such beliefs could lead to questioning the justice system and calls for radical change.