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TO: The First Lady FROM: Neera Tanden RE: Poll on Crime and Juvenile Justice Issues DATE: February 9, 1999 Attached are the results of a poll conducted by the National Association of Police Organizations; the poll results highlight some interesting attitudes towards crime and its causes. The survey was conducted in mid-January and had a sample size of 800 registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.5%. Some findings of note follow: Eighty-three percent of those polled believe that additional funds should be allocated for juvenile prevention programs, which is stronger support than previous polling has indicated. Seventy-one percent of respondents believe that juvenile criminals should be sent to a juvenile correctional facility rather than an adult correctional facility. However, 80% of respondents believe that a juvenile charged with committing a violent crime should be tried as an adult. The breakdown of families is seen as the most pressing threat facing the country's children today, followed by illegal drug use. Thirty-five percent of respondents named family break down their top concern, while 29% said drugs was the biggest threat. Hiring police officers is viewed as a higher priority than building more prisons. Sixty percent of respondents wanted to hire more police, while only 14% wanted to build more prisons, and surprisingly, on 13% wanted to do both. Eighty-five percent of respondents agree that Congress should pass new legislation to keep police officers hired under the 1994 Crime Bill on America's streets. Sixty-two percent strongly agree with this statement.