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New poll shows violence remains a top concern in Memphis & Shelby County

The poll released by the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission also said there is support for law enforcement and hiring more officers.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new poll released by the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission said there is strong support for local law enforcement, though less than last year, and gun violence remains a big concern.

The crime commission said the poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies.

Top Concerns: 

According to the commission, the COVID-19 pandemic ranked as the top priority (30%) for all of Shelby County, for both men and women, Black and white Voters, Voters under 45, and seniors.

Crime and public safety came in second at 22%. Within that topic, gun violence ranked the number one.

Crime and public safety concerns breakdown:

  • 48% gun violence
  • 11% Human trafficking
  • 10% Juvenile crime

RELATED: Memphis Police Chief talks fighting crime, recruiting officers, and erratic drivers

Law Enforcement support:

The crime commission said 62% of respondents rated law enforcement as doing an excellent/good job. That’s down 9 points since a similar poll conducted for the crime commission last year. It said those numbers also dropped for nearly all subgroups.

The crime commission said only 48% of respondents gave police an excellent/good rating on protecting people from violent crime – compared to 56% in last year’s poll. 49% gave police a fair/poor rating compared to 39% last year.

The poll said 81% of respondents highly supported hiring more officers. It said 73% of Shelby County voters and 69% of Memphis voters support loosening residency requirements for police and firefighters.

According to the poll, 73% of respondents want to see increased law enforcement presence in their neighborhoods.

You can check out the full poll results HERE.

RELATED: USDOJ announces effort to reduce violent crime in Memphis

Who were the poll respondents:

Here’s the breakdown of those who responded to the poll, according to the crime commission:

  • 425 registered voters countywide
    • 275 (65%) from Memphis
    • Remainder from the county and suburbs

Countywide respondents: 

  • Gender breakdown:
    • 60% Female
    • 40% Male
  • Age breakdown:
    • 43% 18-44
    • 33% 45-64
    • 24% 65+
  • Ethnic/racial breakdown:
    • Countywide:
      • 48% White
      • 46% African American
      • 6% Other
    • Memphis only:
      • 58% African American
      • 37% White
      • 5% Other

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