U.S. Survey finds that majority of voters want a reduction in the prison population

20th October 2015

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) today released results from a new national survey focused on criminal justice reform. Commissioned by the ACLU and administered by the Benenson Strategy Group, the national survey was conducted from June 2-6, 2015. All respondents were registered voters who are likely to vote in the 2016 presidential election. Some of the findings of the report are as follows:

• Both Republicans and Democrats are of the view that communities would be safer if the criminal justice system reduced the number of people behind bars and increased the treatment of mental illness and addiction, which are seen as primary root causes of crime.
• Voters believe by two-to-one that reducing the prison population will make communities safer by facilitating more investments in crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
• 69% of voters say it is important for the country to reduce its prison population.
• 87% of respondents believe that drug addicts and those with mental illness should not be in prison and that they belong in treatment facilities.

 To read the full survey memo: click here