Capturing a snapshot of public opinion, data from Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s latest perceptions survey has been gathered.
Confidence in the service respondents receive from the force in Herefordshire sits at 79%, 2% higher than the long-term trend.
Across West Mercia there has been a sharp decline in the number of people who think the police is doing either an excellent or good job from 67% to 54%, with Herefordshire above the average at 57%.
Despite this, confidence in West Mercia Police has remained stable at 80% in line with the West Mercia average.
With record numbers of police officers in West Mercia following the PCC’s investment, residents in Herefordshire are not feeling and seeing the benefits of this as they are less likely to see an officer or PCSO at least once a week (13%).
Other findings include –
- 60% of respondents in Herefordshire are satisfied with the levels of policing in their local area
- More than 70% of Herefordshire residents believe the force understands issue in their community with this rising across West Mercia by 6%.
PCC John Campion said: “As the voice of the public in policing, I am always interested in understanding and listening to the views of local communities to see what’s working well and where improvements can be made.
“Whilst there has been progress in some metrics, the overall results are not good enough, and I share the frustration of communities in Herefordshire that West Mercia Police’s performance is not better.
“With the launch of my new police and crime plan, and my ongoing focus on next year’s budget, I am clear that it’s the responsibility of the Chief Constable and I to set up the hard-working policing teams to deliver an ever more efficient and effective service.”
