Key findings from a recent public opinion survey were released today showing strong support for proactive policing that reduce the number of people committing crimes and the number of crime victims.
Commissioned by the National Police Association, the survey was conducted in the summer of 2018.
The survey shows that survey participants overwhelmingly believe recent media attacks on police and law enforcement have caused officers to be more reluctant to attempt to stop murders and other crimes before they are committed. The survey found participants are concerned law enforcement officers are reluctant to wrestle a criminal suspect to the ground, use a nightstick, or use any type of force when apprehending a criminal because they fear getting sued or brought up on charges of "police brutality." The vast majority support the right of a law enforcement officer to use force to stop a crime in progress, to apprehend a criminal, or to defend themselves from criminal attack.
Further, most believe recent media attacks on police and law enforcement have caused officers to be more reluctant to attempt to stop murders and other crimes before they are committed.
Similarly, the majority of respondents reject the demand by radical anti-police groups that law enforcement officers not be allowed to carry a gun with over 90% of respondents stating law enforcement should not be disarmed.
Other key survey findings:
The majority think local law enforcement should be able to work with immigration officials to deport dangerous criminals who are not citizens.
Over 80% do not agree with the many politicians who are in favor giving convicted murderers, rapists, and burglars the right to vote and oppose voting rights for criminals.
A majority of participants think schools should be required to teach children respect for law enforcement officers including how to behave if they are stopped by a law enforcement officer.
Would rather have law enforcement in their community prevent crime by stopping suspicious people for questioning than have the police wait until a crime has been committed before taking action.
The polling memo is available online here:
https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/af134e0a/files/uploaded/NPA2018Survey.pdf
The National Police Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission of educating supporters of law enforcement in how to help police departments accomplish their goals. To learn more visit us online at NationalPolice.org
