NCJ Number
238953
Date Published
March 2012
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings from a 2012 polling of American voters that solicited their opinions on sentencing and corrections in the United States, and the findings are compared with similar research conducted in 2010.
Abstract
Voters surveyed in both 2012 and 2010 want a strong public safety system in which criminals are held accountable and there are consequences for illegal activities. They also believe that these goals can be achieved while reducing the size and cost of the prison system. The respondents generally believed that too many people are in prison, and the Nation spends too much on imprisonment. Voters overwhelmingly support a variety of policy changes that shift nonviolent offenders from prison to more effective, less expensive alternatives. In addition, the survey revealed support for sentencing and corrections reforms (including reduced prison terms) is strong across political party affiliation, regions, age, gender, and racial/ethnic groups. Generally, respondents felt safe in their communities, rating their sense of safety at an average of 8 on a 10-point scale. This national public opinion survey was conducted in January 2012, along with similar surveys in Georgia, Missouri, and Oregon. Similar findings from the 2020 and 2012 surveys indicate these attitudes persist, along with suggestions for specific policy solutions. Survey content and percentages of various responses are reported.