Poll Results

YES: 6% | NO: 94%

As part of our Law Enforcement Survey, we asked:

“Do you agree with defunding the police?”

Few topics have sparked as much public debate in recent years as the idea of defunding — or significantly reducing funding for — law enforcement agencies. Supporters of the movement argue for reimagining public safety by shifting funding to community services. Opponents believe cutting police budgets compromises public safety and punishes the vast majority of officers who serve honorably.

Here’s how voters responded:

• No – Do Not Defund the Police: 94%
• Yes – Defund the Police: 6%

Why This Question Matters

The defund movement gained national attention following high-profile incidents involving police use of force. Since then, cities across the country have debated whether to cut or reallocate law enforcement budgets. Some have moved forward with those efforts — only to later reverse course after rising crime or public backlash.

At the center of this issue are fundamental questions about safety, justice, trust, and what role police should play in American society.

Arguments from Those Who Said “No – Do Not Defund the Police”

• Public Safety Must Come First:
  Opponents argue that reducing police budgets leads to slower response times, fewer patrols, and increased vulnerability in high-crime areas.
• Communities Want More Police, Not Less:
  Polling consistently shows that most residents — including in many underserved communities — want well-trained, accountable police officers, not fewer of them.
• Crime Has Increased Where Funding Was Cut:
  In cities where police budgets were reduced, many saw spikes in violent crime, leading some local leaders to restore or even increase funding later.
• Defunding Demoralizes Law Enforcement:
  Critics say the movement sends a damaging message to officers who risk their lives daily — and makes recruitment and retention more difficult.
• Reform, Not Abandonment:
  Many believe in reform and accountability, but argue that dismantling or weakening police forces is not the answer.

Arguments from Those Who Said “Yes – Defund the Police”

• Redirect Funds to Prevention and Social Services:
  Supporters argue that a portion of police budgets should be reallocated to mental health services, housing programs, youth outreach, and addiction treatment — tackling the root causes of crime.
• Over-Policing in Marginalized Communities:
  Critics of current policing structures say low-income and minority neighborhoods often face aggressive policing for minor offenses, which breeds distrust and injustice.
• Police Are Asked to Do Too Much:
  Some believe that not every situation requires armed law enforcement. Shifting resources could allow more specialized responders — like mental health professionals — to handle appropriate cases.
• Accountability Is Lacking:
  Proponents say that many departments resist reform, and that financial pressure may be the only way to prompt meaningful change.
• It’s Not About Abolishing Police:
  Many who support “defunding” clarify that the term doesn’t mean eliminating the police — it means restructuring priorities for a more balanced approach to public safety.

Conclusion

According to this poll, a strong majority of respondents reject the idea of defunding the police, favoring reforms within existing departments rather than reducing or eliminating law enforcement budgets.

As communities continue to debate the future of policing, this issue remains one of the most emotionally charged and politically significant in the national conversation around justice, safety, and reform.