A survey of registered voters in Utah found broad bipartisan support for data-driven criminal justice reform. Conducted between July 20 and July 22, 2021, the poll found that, among other things, 62% of voters believe the criminal justice system needs significant improvements, including nearly 7 in 10 independents. And that need for reform extends beyond the state, with more than 80% of voters agreeing that the federal government is spending too much money locking up low-level drug offenders and should instead shift funding to other pressing public safety priorities like violent crime, expanded treatment, and funding for law enforcement.

Conducted between December 22, 2017 and January 3, 2018, a poll of more than 600 Utah voters found that the vast majority of Utahns — 71% overall — considered themselves unfamiliar with the state’s bail system. Of the just 14% of Utahns with experience posting bail, nearly half had posted bail for an immediate family member. When asked about specific parts of the pretrial process an overwhelming majority of those surveyed expressed support for the use of risk assessment in pre-trial decision making — 92% overall, including 76% who strongly supported the use of risk assessment. Additionally, 97% of respondents said that risk to public safety should be the most important factor in the decision to detain or release someone prior to trial.