Key takeaways
- More Americans are concerned about the effect of crime on the country at large than on the people in their community, with most concerned about gun violence and hate crimes.
- Requiring background checks on all guns tops a list of crime reduction policies as the most strongly supported and the policy seen as being most effective.
- While Biden and Democrats are more trusted to handle hate crimes, gun violence, gun policy, and reducing violent crime, Republicans currently have an edge on funding local police.
Perception of Rising Crime Remains More National Than Local
While Americans are more likely to say crime has risen nationally in the last year than in their community, since June 28th, there has also been a 6-point increase in the share who say there is more crime in their community than there was a year ago (38% to 44%).
Four in Five Americans Say Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Are a Crisis or Major Problem
Even among gun owners*, 77% say it is a “crisis” or “major problem”; among non-gun owners, 88% say the same.
More Are Concerned About Crime in Country at Large; Top Concerns Are Mass Shootings, Hate Crimes, and Gun Violence
Democrats (59%) and independents (43%) are most concerned about mass shootings, while Republicans are most concerned about gang violence (40%).
Majorities Continue to Say Leaders Haven’t Done Enough to Prevent Gun Violence and Want Stronger Gun Laws
Majorities of independents continue to say leaders in Washington have not done enough to prevent gun violence.
Background Checks Both Most Popular and Most Effective at Reducing Crime
Half of respondents were asked if they support a range of crime reduction policies, while the other half was shown the same list and asked whether each would be effective in reducing crime. Requiring background checks topped both lists, followed by increasing police funding, making it harder to buy guns, and banning assault weapons.
Biden and Democrats More Trusted on Hate Crimes, Gun Policies, and Violent Crime – Less So on Funding Police
Among independents, Biden and Democrats are more trusted to address hate crimes (+18) and gun violence (+8), while Republicans are more trusted on gun policy (+4), violent crime (+11), and funding local police (+22).
About The Study
This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,000 registered voters conducted July 15-19, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 100 Hispanic voters, 101 African American voters, 100 independents without a partisan lean, and 71 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.