Poll finds Oakland voters support Mayor Barbara Lee, want more cops

"Most Oakland voters want to see more police, more surveillance, and fewer homeless encampments, according to a recent survey from the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this month, the research firm FM3 surveyed 735 likely Oakland voters online and by phone about city issues and policies. The survey also included questions about city leadership, finding that 61% of respondents support Lee."

"The results, released Thursday morning, show that 67% of respondents support increasing the number of officers at the Oakland Police Department, versus 9% who want the police force to decrease. The survey also shows strong support for increasing police surveillance in neighborhoods and business districts. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they want the city to monitor privately-owned camera systems, such as business security cameras, with consent from the owners. Similarly, 66% support the use of city-owned automated surveillance cameras."

"By a 14-point margin, respondents were more likely to say crime and public safety have been improving (40%) rather than worsening (26%) over the past few months. As of OPD's most recent weekly crime report, violent crime in Oakland is down 25% year-to-date compared with the same time last year. Reports of robberies and burglaries are down 42% and 27%, respectively, though property crime data may take a while to be finalized, as OPD must review each report."

A strong majority of likely Oakland voters support increasing Oakland Police Department staffing (67%) while only 9% want reductions. Substantial majorities back expanded surveillance: 67% favor monitoring privately-owned cameras with owner consent, 66% support city-owned automated cameras, and 59% back aerial drones for public-safety monitoring. Respondents rate public safety and emergency response times as the top budget priorities (61%), and many favor reducing homeless encampments. Support for Mayor Lee is at 61%, while City Council favorability is 27%. Respondents were more likely to say crime has been improving (40%) than worsening (26%).

Read at The Oaklandside