OpenCampaign

Public Safety

Public safety and crime

Public safety is repeatedly cited as a top concern for both Georgia lawmakers and citizens heading into 2026. Crime also appears among the leading issues named by likely voters in statewide polling, shaping debates over how to keep communities secure.

What should Georgia prioritize to address public safety and crime?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Marie Ladino / foropportunity.org — https://foropportunity.org/top-issues-shaping-georgia-future
Top concerns for both lawmakers and citizens include welfare reform, the cost of living, educational opportunities, and public safety.
Emerson College Polling — https://emersoncollegepolling.com/georgia-2026-poll-senator-ossoff-starts-re-election-near-50-and-outpaces-gop-field
The top issue for Georgia likely voters is the economy (36%) followed by housing affordability (14%), healthcare (14%), threats to democracy (11%), crime (8%), and immigration (7%).
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Shift funding from policing toward social services, prevention, and reentry programs
  2. Combine smart policing with expanded mental-health and community violence intervention
  3. Support even-handed enforcement while funding both officers and proven prevention efforts
  4. Increase police funding, longer sentences, and stricter enforcement of existing laws
  5. Adopt zero-tolerance policing, mandatory minimums, and maximize incarceration for offenders