A recent poll reveals that almost half of Poles believe the police and other law enforcement agencies are failing to effectively tackle crime. The survey, commissioned by the Polish daily “Rzeczpospolita,” highlights growing dissatisfaction, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
According to the poll conducted by IBRiS, 47.8% of respondents expressed criticism toward the efficiency of Polish law enforcement. Of this group, roughly half held a strongly negative opinion. In contrast, 39.9% of respondents believed the authorities were managing well, although only 7.2% expressed strong confidence in the effectiveness of these services. Approximately 12% of those surveyed remained undecided.
Young Poles appear to be the most critical. The survey indicated that 67% of respondents under 29 and more than half of those between 30 and 39 were dissatisfied with how law enforcement handles crime.
The criticism is most pronounced among residents of small towns and villages, where every second person believes that authorities fail to address crime effectively. In large urban areas, opinions are more evenly split between critics and supporters. However, only 2% of residents in major cities expressed strong confidence in law enforcement’s ability to combat crime. According to “Rzeczpospolita,” this low confidence stems from frequent, high-profile criminal incidents in urban areas, heightening public concerns.
The poll was conducted using CATI methodology from February 21 to 22, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,069 individuals.
Given these findings, “Rzeczpospolita” emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive strategy addressing crime, including offenses involving foreign nationals, to restore public trust and enhance safety.