Police community survey launched
HOW big a problem is anti-social behaviour in Guernsey? Do you think you could be a victim of criminal damage in future? How confident do islanders feel in their police force dealing with crime?
These are some of the questions islanders are being asked in the first police community survey, which launched this week. The results will be used to help with the creation of a service delivery plan for the next three years.
New Chief Damian Kitchen said that the goal was to ensure that the police service was meeting the expectations of the community as best as possible.
‘By participating in this survey, people can share their perspectives on current policing practices, suggest improvements, and highlight specific areas of crime that they are most concerned about,’ he said.
‘This feedback is important in informing how we improve our operations, and serve the community more effectively.’
Police have previously done surveys on specific topics, but this is believed to be first one looking at all aspects of policing and crime.
Mr Kitchen, who has now been in post for three months, said this would help him to understand what was working well and where changes could be made.
‘This is a starting point,’ he said.
‘We are also looking to do some events, where we get out and speak to the public.’
He said the findings would be a springboard for changes.
They would not be able to act on all suggestions, but the survey was a vital way to understand the prevailing feeling in the community.
‘I also believe that open communication and engagement with islanders is key to creating a safer and more trusting environment for everyone,’ Mr Kitchen said.
‘We encourage all Bailiwick residents to take a few minutes to complete the survey and let their voices be heard.’
Mr Kitchen said he would call the survey a success if there was a good response from the public.
‘Success is where we have people young to old, from across all the parishes, from all different backgrounds responding – a real mix of views.’
The survey findings will not be all published, but when the data is used for a specific project, that will be highlighted.
It is not planned to carry out surveys like this again, as it is hoped that more regular communication with the public will help direct future policing.
n The online survey is available until 1 March and can be completed at https://forms.office.com/e/yhd3caYPyZ.
There is also a link on the Guernsey Police website, gov.gg, and the Bailiwick Law Enforcement Facebook page.
All responses will be confidential.
