This survey annually looks at fear of crime and at four areas of safety: self and home, family, neighborhood, and community. A total of 699 17-minute interviews were conducted between September 15 and September 27, 2000, in all 50 states, via random digit dialing. Quotas were set for race and ethnicity. In 2000, Americans were less engaged with each other and felt less secure in their neighborhoods. They were worried about their children's safety but did not always follow through on ensuring that safety. Not enough Americans were taking basic, inexpensive precautions to reduce their immediate risks of crime. Additional findings of the survey included: (1) fear persisted as an issue for many, despite declining crime rates; (2) personal and home crime prevention habits could improve; (3) safety and security of children worried many, parents have opportunities for action; (4) community crime prevention showed promise, needed support; and (5) McGruff the Crime Dog remains an effective communicator for crime prevention. Figures