al_sharpton_web_3.jpgNEW YORK (AP) _ A new poll has found that a majority of New Yorkers believe the NYPD favors whites over blacks.

The New York Times poll says that view is especially prevalent among black. Eighty percent said police favor one race over the other; 48 percent of whites agreed.

The poll also found a majority of blacks said the department's stop-and frisk policy contributed to harassment of innocent people. Most white respondents said the policy improved safety.

Among all New Yorkers, 48 percent said the policy was “acceptable to make New York City safer.'' Nearly as many _ 45 percent _ said it was “excessive.''

The poll said 57 percent approved of the way the mayor was dealing with crime, and 61 percent liked how the police commissioner was handling his job.