An overwhelming number of New Yorkers want more surveillance cameras to be installed in public places, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac University.
The survey suggests a connection between the hunger for surveillance cameras and fear of terrorism. According to the poll, which queried 1,082 NYC voters over cell phone and land line, 62% of local voters are "very worried" or "somewhat worried" there will be another terrorist attack in the city.
New York City voters approve 75 - 15 percent of the way Michael Bloomberg is handling terror, much better than his 50 - 42 percent overall job approval rating.
Voters say 79 - 14 percent the New York Police Department has been effective in combating terrorism, with a strong thumbs up from every group. Overall, voters approve 61 - 31 percent of the job police are doing. Black voters disapprove 47 - 41 percent, while approval is 75 - 19 percent among white voters and 61 - 31 percent among Hispanic voters.
The NYPD exceeded its authority with surveillance of Muslims in New Jersey, 26 percent of city voters say, while 32 percent say the measure was necessary to protect the city, with 37 percent offering no opinion.
The government should not violate basic civil liberties to prevent terrorism, 70 percent of New York City voters say, while 24 percent say the government should do whatever it takes, even if civil liberties are violated.
New York City voters are divided on the issue of stop-and-frisk, with 46 percent of voters approving and 49 percent disapproving. There is a large racial divide as white voters approve 60 - 35 percent while disapproval is 67 - 28 percent among black voters and 58 - 38 percent among Hispanic voters.
Voters support 68 - 26 percent creating the position of inspector general to independently monitor the NYPD. The only group opposed is Republicans 52 - 39 percent.
Only 9 percent of voters say having an inspector general will make the city less safe, while 44 percent say it will make the city safer, with 42 percent who say it won't make a difference.
"We think our cops have been effective keeping us terror-free, and we think they do a good job overall. But we're mixed on stop-and-frisk, with a big racial split: white voters are for it; black and Hispanic voters are opposed," Carroll said.
"The most important proposal that's come out of the stop-and-frisk controversy, the idea of an inspector general for the Police Department, gets heavy support, overwhelming among black New Yorkers."
For more information, visit http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling
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