GITNUXREPORT 2025

Police Accountability Statistics

Majority support increased police accountability and civilian oversight measures.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 48% of Black Americans feel that police are biased against them, compared to 19% of White Americans

Statistic 2

Approximately 75% of people believe that police officers should be held accountable when they break the law

Statistic 3

Police misconduct investigations increased by 12% in states that implemented civilian oversight boards

Statistic 4

60% of police departments in the U.S. have implemented citizen review boards

Statistic 5

Studies show that civilian oversight can reduce instances of police misconduct by up to 40%

Statistic 6

The annual budget for police misconduct settlements in the U.S. exceeds $500 million

Statistic 7

The use of civilian-led review boards increased the rate of police department accountability by 35% in jurisdictions where implemented

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The number of police officers facing internal investigations for misconduct increased by 15% in 2022

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Only 25% of police departments in the US publicly disclose their disciplinary records

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27 states have laws requiring police use of body cameras

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In 2023, over 50 police departments nationwide adopted new transparency policies

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During 2021, there were over 1,000 documented police-involved deaths in the U.S.

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In 2020, police used force against civilians approximately 1,005 times per day in the U.S.

Statistic 14

The number of police officers killed on duty in the U.S. was 321 in 2022, representing a slight decline from previous years

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Only 36% of Americans believe that most police officers operate ethically

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About 84% of Americans support increased police accountability measures

Statistic 17

In a 2022 survey, 67% of respondents supported the use of body cameras by police officers

Statistic 18

Only 22% of Americans trust the police to use their power responsibly

Statistic 19

55% of Americans believe that police accountability laws would reduce incidents of police violence

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Nearly 70% of Americans believe that racial bias affects police behavior

Statistic 21

Only 44% of Americans support defunding the police, but many support reallocating funds toward social services

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Only 18% of Americans believe that police officers are held accountable when they use excessive force

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34% of Americans support curtailing police powers in minority neighborhoods

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About 63% of police officers support the implementation of community policing strategies

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52% of Americans support the idea of removing qualified immunity for police officers

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Only 28% of Americans trust that police departments will discipline officers who misuse their authority

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42% of Americans favor the implementation of independent prosecutors for police misconduct cases

Statistic 28

In 2020, 85% of Americans supported police body cameras, but only 67% supported their consistent use during all police interactions

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Key Highlights

Only 36% of Americans believe that most police officers operate ethically
About 84% of Americans support increased police accountability measures
Approximately 75% of people believe that police officers should be held accountable when they break the law
In a 2022 survey, 67% of respondents supported the use of body cameras by police officers
Police misconduct investigations increased by 12% in states that implemented civilian oversight boards
Only 22% of Americans trust the police to use their power responsibly
60% of police departments in the U.S. have implemented citizen review boards
55% of Americans believe that police accountability laws would reduce incidents of police violence
During 2021, there were over 1,000 documented police-involved deaths in the U.S.
Nearly 70% of Americans believe that racial bias affects police behavior
Only 44% of Americans support defunding the police, but many support reallocating funds toward social services
27 states have laws requiring police use of body cameras
In 2020, police used force against civilians approximately 1,005 times per day in the U.S.

Despite widespread public support for accountability measures, only a small fraction of Americans trust police to act ethically, highlighting a pressing need for transparency and reform in law enforcement practices across the nation.

Demographics and Perceptions of Policing

About 48% of Black Americans feel that police are biased against them, compared to 19% of White Americans

Demographics and Perceptions of Policing Interpretation

The stark contrast—nearly half of Black Americans perceiving bias versus less than a fifth of White Americans—highlights a profound disconnect in trust that no badge can simply diminish.

Police Misconduct and Accountability

Approximately 75% of people believe that police officers should be held accountable when they break the law
Police misconduct investigations increased by 12% in states that implemented civilian oversight boards
60% of police departments in the U.S. have implemented citizen review boards
Studies show that civilian oversight can reduce instances of police misconduct by up to 40%
The annual budget for police misconduct settlements in the U.S. exceeds $500 million
The use of civilian-led review boards increased the rate of police department accountability by 35% in jurisdictions where implemented
The number of police officers facing internal investigations for misconduct increased by 15% in 2022
Only 25% of police departments in the US publicly disclose their disciplinary records

Police Misconduct and Accountability Interpretation

While a growing majority of Americans and police accountability initiatives suggest transparency and oversight reduce misconduct—potentially saving hundreds of millions—only a quarter of departments even bother to publicly disclose disciplinary records, indicating that accountability remains more aspirational than actual.

Police Policies and Reforms

27 states have laws requiring police use of body cameras
In 2023, over 50 police departments nationwide adopted new transparency policies

Police Policies and Reforms Interpretation

With 27 states mandating body cameras and over 50 departments embracing transparency in 2023, it’s clear that accountability is finally getting its well-deserved spotlight—though the real test lies in how consistently these policies inspire trust rather than mere optics.

Police Use of Force and Incidents

During 2021, there were over 1,000 documented police-involved deaths in the U.S.
In 2020, police used force against civilians approximately 1,005 times per day in the U.S.
The number of police officers killed on duty in the U.S. was 321 in 2022, representing a slight decline from previous years

Police Use of Force and Incidents Interpretation

These stark statistics—over a thousand police-involved deaths in 2021, daily use-of-force averaging around 1,005 incidents in 2020, and 321 officers killed in 2022—highlight the urgent need for meaningful reform and accountability within U.S. policing, lest we continue down a path where safety and justice remain elusive for both civilians and officers.

Public Opinion on Police Support and Trust

Only 36% of Americans believe that most police officers operate ethically
About 84% of Americans support increased police accountability measures
In a 2022 survey, 67% of respondents supported the use of body cameras by police officers
Only 22% of Americans trust the police to use their power responsibly
55% of Americans believe that police accountability laws would reduce incidents of police violence
Nearly 70% of Americans believe that racial bias affects police behavior
Only 44% of Americans support defunding the police, but many support reallocating funds toward social services
Only 18% of Americans believe that police officers are held accountable when they use excessive force
34% of Americans support curtailing police powers in minority neighborhoods
About 63% of police officers support the implementation of community policing strategies
52% of Americans support the idea of removing qualified immunity for police officers
Only 28% of Americans trust that police departments will discipline officers who misuse their authority
42% of Americans favor the implementation of independent prosecutors for police misconduct cases
In 2020, 85% of Americans supported police body cameras, but only 67% supported their consistent use during all police interactions

Public Opinion on Police Support and Trust Interpretation

Despite broad public support for increased accountability and transparency, a troubling distrust persists—only a minority believe police routinely act ethically or responsibly, highlighting that behind the statistics lie deep-rooted concerns about racial bias, accountability gaps, and the urgent need for systemic reform.