Survey Finds Americans Want Police to be More Proactive

The majority of respondents rejected the demand by some activists that law enforcement officers not be allowed to carry a gun with over 90% of respondents stating law enforcement should not be disarmed.

Staff Writer・Editorial

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August 27, 2018

2 min to read

Key findings from a recent public opinion survey commissioned by the National Police Association were released Monday showing strong support for proactive policing that reduces the number of people committing crimes and the number of crime victims.

Survey participants overwhelmingly said 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 baton, 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 of the survey's respondents support the right of a law enforcement officers to use force to stop a crime in progress, to apprehend a criminal, or to defend themselves from criminal attack.

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 of voting rights to convicted felons.

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.

Respondents said they 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

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