New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s long-shot chance at a vice presidential bid got handcuffed Tuesday when a Washington-based pollster for the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association found that nearly every police officer in the city hates the head of Gotham.
Not only do 95 percent feel the mayor is doing a poor job, but huge numbers believe his policies have made their life much less safe, a feeling felt in may big liberal cities.
“The brave men and women who risk their lives to protect New Yorkers should feel safe and confident that their hard work is having a positive impact on the future of this city. Unfortunately, as this survey proves, the majority of our police officers do not feel supported by Mayor de Blasio’s administration or the City Council, and believe their unfavorable public safety policies have New York City on the wrong track,” said Patrick J. Lynch, president of the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
The key findings of the poll from McLaughlin & Associates:
— 95% of members said New York City is on the wrong track.
— When “representing the best interest of New York City Police Officers”, 95% give de Blasio a “poor” job rating.
— 92% of PBA members say support for the police has decreased during the de Blasio administration compared to past administrations.
— 96% of responses were unfavorable towards Mayor de Blasio, with 88% very unfavorable. Additionally, 96% disapprove of de Blasio’s policing and public safety policies.
— Police Commissioner Bratton receives relatively high ratings. 64% of the respondents are favorable towards Commissioner Bratton and he also receives a 66% overall job approval rating.
— 95% of NYC PBA members say they personally feel “less safe” while on duty as a police officer, and the majority, 58%, feel “much less safe.”
— 97% agree that police officers are reluctant to take action for fear of lawsuits or complaints by the public.
— 81% feel the new procedures and requirements related to the use of stop, question and frisk limit police officers’ ability to safely and effectively make stops, when necessary.
The pollster said that 6,004 of 24,000 police force members responded to their survey, an unusually good return.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
