The subject of U.S. policing is contentious. But recent surveys show many areas of overlap when it comes to police reform.
There is sometimes a faulty perception that Democrats support many kinds of deep policy changes, while Republicans oppose most reform efforts. Yet the data shows broad support for various types of police reforms, and widespread opposition to some of the most far-reaching and dramatic proposals.
For instance, support for an issue such as requiring body cameras often receive the support of 90% or more of Americans, and about a dozen other policies have support of three-quarters or more of the public. Meanwhile, a June 2020 survey from Pew Research Center found just 25% of Americans said spending on policing in their area should be decreased.
Survey data showing overlaps between Democrats and Republicans on police reform are found below. This overview builds off of a previous United News Roundup article that described overlaps but could not cover survey data with this level of depth.
- A Crime Survivors Speak report from 2024 found that crime victims prioritize funding for mental health and addiction services, school prevention programs, and crisis support by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Two-thirds of victims favor these measures over increased policing or punishment.
- A 2022 Gallup report found that Americans agree on a variety of police reforms:
- 95% agree that police should have good relationships with the communities they serve.
- 92% believe police officers with multiple offenses of abuse of power should no longer be able to serve.
- 91% support adjusting management practices so that officer abuses are punished.
- 81% believe police officers who abuse power or cause harm to individuals should be punished with legal action.
- 78% support community programs such as violence intervention as alternatives.
- 68% support ending stop-and-frisk without probable cause.
- Of black adults who have experienced police interactions in the last 12 months, 77% says they were treated fairly, 75% say they were treated with respect, 68% say it was a positive experience.
- The NIH reported a 2022 study with bipartisan support for certain police reforms:
- 72% of Americans want stricter laws to hold police officers accountable.
- 76% of Americans believe officers responding to calls that involve someone with mental health issues should be paired with a trained health professional.
- 72% agree that rather than being arrested, individuals with mental health issues should be diverted to mental health services instead.
Hyria Stuart is a college student currently studying in Beijing. He majors in social work and serves as a political research assistant (American/international politics) at Boston College while planning to pursue a graduate degree (Public Administration/Policy) in the U.S. He has been interning as a policy analyst and editor since April 2020, focusing on nonpartisan proposals seeking to bring Americans together. He helped re-elect Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in 2020 as a campaign intern. Hyria has published in “Raise the Voices.” His political bias is Lean Left.
This piece was edited by Managing Editor Henry Brechter (Center bias), and was reviewed by James Coan (Center bias) of Braver Angels. Correspondence can be directed to [email protected].
