This study of fear of crime is approached from the social control perspective. This perspective is adapted from the Chicago school of sociology's focus on the study of city and urban community life. The theory developed is that the level of the fear of crime in a community is a consequence of the level of social disorganization perceived by its residents. Consequently, if an urban community has the capacity, through its local institutions (families, churches, voluntary associations, etc.) to combat the growth of the signs of disorganization, then fear levels will be modified. If social control cannot regulate these signs of disorganization, then fear will increase. This theory contrasts with the victimization perspective, which relates fear of crime to direct or indirect experiences of victimization by residents. Data from four Chicago neighborhoods do not show a clear relationship between the rate of criminal victimization and the level of fear, thus calling into question the explanatory power of the victimization perspective. Residents' perceptions of community disorganization were associated with their awareness of (1) groups of teenagers hanging out on the streets, (2) abandoned or burned-out buildings or storefronts, (3) persons using illegal drugs, and (4) vandalism. The data did show a convincing relationship between residents' perceptions of these conditions and their fear of crime. Tabular data and about 140 references are provided.