Survey on policing conducted by the Longfellow Community Council

The Longfellow Community Council (LCC) conducted an online community survey of residents and business owners throughout Greater Longfellow and neighboring communities regarding policing issues. The online link was shared through standard communication channels of LCC (Facebook, LCC weekly newsletter, NextDoor), and also shared with the neighborhood associations of nearby neighborhoods. The link was available from Oct. 13, 2020 through Jan. 2, 2021. Total number of respondents was 232.
The city of Minneapolis also conducted a survey of residents city-wide about policing and community safety; the city survey is also still open for participation.
Some of the findings of the results of the city survey and LCC survey are similar, but the results are difficult to compare because the survey questions were quite different. The LCC survey questions were multiple choice while the city survey questions were open-ended format (write-in responses). In both surveys, people of color were underrepresented. The LCC plans to conduct future surveys that reach more residents and include other options for completing the survey (such as in-person and written/hard copy options).
To comment or give feedback, email info@longfellow.org or phone 612.722.4529.

Main findings
• Respondents were primarly from Greater Longfellow, white, homeowners, and over age 25 (65% female)
• Views on the police presence in the neighborhood were different before and after the unrest in May and June 2020
- 55% thought there was enough of a police presence before the unrest
- 21% thought there was enough of a police presence after the unrest
• Responses were mixed about level of funding for the police department
- 42% said funding should be increased
- 37% said funding should be decreased
• Responses were mixed about the number of police officers that should be in the deparment
• Most respondents (79%) were “not at all”or “not very confident that Minneapolis City leadership could change the police department in a way that will fairly serve all residents
• Respondents were supportive of many possible changes to the police department, including:
- 73% supported increasing the diversity of the department to better represent the communities they serve
- 78% supported not limiting 911 responders to police officers; have other trained persons who may be best for a situation
• Most respondents thought that the police officers need more training, particularly on working with other professionals and on the issue of racism
• Responses were mixed about the future location of 3rd police precinct building
• Many respondents added comments about policing. Read them all online at www.longfellow.org/rebuilding-greater-longfellow.