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Rise violent Crime

Crime and public safety expectations

Large shares of Americans expect crime rates to rise and view crime policy as an area of partisan contrast heading into 2026. Public safety remains a core state responsibility, so expectations about crime trends shape Iowa debates on policing and criminal justice priorities.

What should Iowa’s priority be on crime and public safety policy?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Gallup — https://news.gallup.com/poll/700448/americans-predict-challenging-2026-across-dimensions.aspx
Clear majorities also expect rising unemployment, taxes, prices and crime rates, along with declining American power in the world.
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
Crime policy | 29 | 43 | 25 | R+14
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Shift funding from policing to prevention, diversion, and social services
  2. Pair accountable policing with expanded mental health and reentry programs
  3. Maintain current enforcement levels while tracking local crime data carefully
  4. Increase police staffing and prosecution focus on violent and repeat offenders
  5. Adopt zero-tolerance enforcement and longer mandatory sentences statewide