Gallup: Trust in Police Reaches Its Lowest Level Since 1993
But the cops are still among the country's most respected institutions.
According to a new Gallup poll, 52 percent of Americans have either "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the police. That's a majority, obviously. Only two other institutions—small business and the military—scored better.
But it's also the lowest the number has been in 22 years:
Since Gallup conducted its last survey on the subject two years ago, confidence in the cops has declined among Americans of all ages, all races, and every level of income and education; it has fallen in the cities, the suburbs, and the countryside, and it has fallen among both men and women. Only 44 percent of self-described liberals have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the institution now—seven percentage points less than in the previous poll. Moderates' confidence is at 49 percent, eight points less than last time. But conservative confidence has grown, rising three points to 63 percent.
Conservatives are one of just two groups in the poll whose faith in the police has increased since last time. The other one? Republicans.
To read the rest of the results, go here.