NEWARK — A new poll finds most New Jersey residents support the secret monitoring of Muslim groups by the New York Police Department, though that sentiment isn't as strong in Hudson and Essex counties.

The Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released today found 47 percent of New Jerseyans felt the monitoring was necessary, while 32 percent were against it, saying it violated civil liberties.

Twelve percent said it was necessary even though it violated civil liberties.

In Hudson and Essex counties, where the monitoring was conducted, 37 percent were in favor while 44 percent said it violated civil liberties.

Three-quarters of 601 adults surveyed in the last week said secret monitoring of groups is at least somewhat effective in combating terrorism.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Previous coverage:

• Newark police were with NYPD investigators during Muslim probe 'at all times,' official says

• Recent NYPD spying uproar shakes FBI's foundations in N.J. terror intelligence

• Secret NYPD surveillance in N.J. was not so secret, former officials say