Poll finds little support for defunding police

Only 22% of respondents in a recent national poll support defunding the police, as reported here. A large majority would like to see increased police budgets and more officers on the street. But a majority also support using some of the police budget for community policing and expanded social services. Only 22% believe police treat all people equally, and 81% want police-involved shootings investigated independently. Respondents rated crime their #1 concern, followed by “political extremism, climate change, health care, government budget and debt, and immigration.” The pollster summed it up as “Strong majorities support increased police funding to combat crime, making it clear that America is still a law and order country … [but] most Americans recognize racial inequalities in law enforcement, suggesting many Americans want justice in addition to safety.”