43 Percent of Black Voters Would Feel Threatened If Approached by a Police Officer While Alone

March 1, 2021: If they were alone and approached by a police officer, 43% of African American voters say they would feel threatened rather than safe. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 33% of African Americans would feel safe, and 24% are not sure.[1]

These results are especially striking because a majority or plurality of every other measured demographic group would feel safe in that situation. Seventy-six percent (76%) of white voters would feel safe, along with 53% of Hispanic voters.[1]

Overall, among all voters, 67% would feel safe, and 18% would feel threatened.[1]

There was no gender gap but a significant generation gap. Among senior citizens, 89% would feel safe, and 3% would be threatened. Voters 18-24 were more evenly divided: 41% would feel safe, 39% threatened.[1]

On a partisan basis, 81% of Republicans say they would feel safe in that situation. So would 59% of Democrats and 62% of independents.[1]

There is a significant gap between the views of white and Black Democrats. Seventy-two percent (72%) of white Democrats would feel safe, while only 14% would be threatened. However, a plurality of Black Democrats (44%) would feel threatened. Just 37% would feel safe.[1]

Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen is founder and president of the Rasmussen Media Group. He is the author of "Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement Is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two-Party System," "In Search of Self-Governance," and "The People's Money: How Voters Will Balance the Budget and Eliminate the Federal Debt." Read Scott Rasmussen's Reports — More Here.

Footnotes:

1. ScottRasmussen.com, "43% of African-Americans would feel threatened if approached by police officer," February 24, 2021