Poll: Most Minnesotans Are Concerned About Crime, Support Police
Golden Valley, MN (KROC AM News) - A recent poll found a large majority of Minnesotans are concerned about what they feel is an increase in crime and many have lost confidence in Gov. Tim Walz to deal with the problem.
The poll was released by the Minnesota public policy organization American Experiment.
The non-profit group says the findings of the poll found a majority of those surveyed “now question Walz’s leadership, believe the state is on the wrong track and believe crime has gotten worse over the past year.”
The group says many Minnesotans “have lost confidence in Governor Tim Walz to address the growing problem of riots and lawlessness in Minneapolis. Fifty-five percent of poll respondents do not approve of Walz’s response to the riots with only 39% approving. This is a complete reversal from the June 2020 Thinking Minnesota poll where 59% approved of Walz’s handling of the riots.”
Other findings of the poll:
48% of Minnesotans now believe the state is on the wrong track, compared to 45% who believe the state is on the right track. This is the first time in recent memory that a plurality of respondents believe Minnesota is on the wrong track, a reflection of their lack of confidence in Gov. Walz.
Crime is driving the wrong track sentiment with 81% of Minnesotans personally concerned about the level of crime in Minnesota and 80% agreeing that crime has gotten worse over the past year.
“Minnesotans are tired of lawlessness and violent crime, and they are holding Gov. Walz accountable,” said John Hinderaker, President of Center of the American Experiment. “These numbers reflect his poor handling of the riots last year and his continued silence and inaction in the face of violent crime.”
The poll also found Minnesotans continue to strongly support law enforcement.
Eighty-five percent trust the police in their local community to act in the best interests of the public, unchanged from one year ago. When given a list of options, 69% of respondents said they trust law enforcement to keep us safe, compared to 50% for Gov. Walz, 36% for the legislature and 32% for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
A strong plurality also believe a lack of support for law enforcement is the primary reason for the increase in crime. Republicans and Independents are driving support for law enforcement, with a plurality of Democrats blaming discrimination against minorities as the leading cause of crime.
Other key findings from the poll:
When it comes to types of crime, shootings topped the list of concerns for respondents, with murders and hate crimes also at the top of the list. Democrats listed hate crimes as their top concern.
58% of Minnesotans say they are visiting Minneapolis less frequently, with 73% saying it will take at least a year before they feel safer in the city.
81% of Minnesotans are concerned about our state’s ability to recruit qualified new police officers.
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