Minneapolis – Results from a poll of Minneapolis residents shows broad support for expanding the city’s police force.
A large and deep majority – 63% support, 28% oppose – support expanding the police force in Minneapolis to 850 patrol officers by 2025, an increase of 250 officers over the current level.
The survey of 600 Minneapolis residents was conducted Aug. 8-12, 2019 by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (GQR). The margin is + /-4.0 at the 95% confidence interval. GQR has done previous polling in Minnesota for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, former Governor Mark Dayton and others.
Majority support for expanding the police force by 250 officers by 2025 includes 61% support of white residents and 65% support of people of color.
The survey also found that residents believe crime in Minneapolis is a serious problem (42% major problem). More than four-in-ten residents believe there is more crime in Minneapolis than there was a few years ago (41%).
“We believe communities and law enforcement work best when they work together,” said Jonathan Weinhagen, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. “Adding officers to the Minneapolis PD will allow for more time on the street and in communities, not behind a desk. We should provide additional resources for our police to get to know residents and focus on strengthening ties between officers and the communities they serve.”
Residents of the city recognize that Minneapolis will be a safer place if the community and police work together to fight crime. They see the police force stretched thin, 9-1-1 calls going unanswered and they want change.
Concern over the issue of crime in Minneapolis is high among persons of color. More than five-in-ten persons of color believe crime is a serious issue (54% major problem), and nearly half say there is more crime now than in recent years (49%).
In addition, most Minneapolis residents say they feel safer in the presence of police officers (65%), including 59% of persons of color and 69% of white residents.
“Community health and vitality starts with people feeling safe,” said Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the Downtown Council. “Getting help quickly is important and our city needs more resources to ensure that police are able to respond when they’re needed. Minneapolis residents broadly support adding officers to help ensure police can work closely with residents in our communities.”
Click here to download an executive summary memo about the survey.
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