There are many issues on which Texans remain largely divided. However, a new survey is showing us that there's one thing the majority of Texans agree on; and that thing is criminal justice reform.
There are many issues on which Texans remain largely divided. However, a new survey is showing us that there's one thing the majority of Texans agree on; and that thing is criminal justice reform.
The study is a joint project from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs and Executive Master of Public Administration Program at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. The five-year survey found that more than 75% of responders support (1) prosecuting officers who use excessive force and (2) officers undergoing more conflict de-escalation training. 74% also supported more racial bis training for officers.
TSU professor of political science Michael O. Adams noted the following:
"When you examine these responses, you will hear Texans voicing the need to address these inequities. We are in the midst of a renewed awakening on issues such as excessive police force and racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and it is critical to hear the message clearly."
Though responders were generally opposed to cutting police budgets (75% voiced they were not in support of doing so), the takeaway is that the majority of Texans see a need for reform within the criminal justice system, especially in regards to people of color. Responders realized that now is the time to change the way policing is done in Texas, and that racial inequalities are very real within the system.
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