Confidence in West Mercia Police is at a 9-month high according to the latest figures from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s public perceptions survey.
81% of residents and victims of crime who completed the survey from January to March 2023 in Herefordshire have confidence in the force, with confidence remaining at more than 80% across West Mercia over the past year.
As the voice of the public in policing, PCC John Campion is committed to ensuring West Mercia Police focuses on the people’s priorities. Nearly three quarters of respondents (72%) feel the police understand the issues in their community.
In Herefordshire, anti-social behaviour has been highlighted as an area of concern following feedback from the public in the Your Views survey in 2022. Following action by the PCC to tackle this issue, the latest data states the majority of respondents (88%) do not think crime and ASB is a problem in their local area.
Other key findings of the Herefordshire survey include:
- 79% of those surveyed confident they would receive a good service from West Mercia Police
- A majority (58%) of respondents feel the police were doing either an excellent or good job
- Satisfaction with the levels of policing in their local area has risen by 4% to 62%
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I really value hearing from residents and victims about their views, experiences and confidence in their police force.
“I welcome the increase in public confidence in West Mercia Police. However, I am acutely aware that this isn’t job done. Trust can erode quickly if officers fall below the high standards expected of them. I will continue to support and hold the Chief Constable to account to build further on these strong foundations.”
Superintendent Helen Wain said: “I am pleased to see that over 80% of Herefordshire residents have confidence in West Mercia Police. My teams across the county work extremely hard on a daily basis to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour, to protect vulnerable people and to focus on the issues that have the biggest impact across local communities.
“I will not be complacent, however, and continue to strive with my teams to work effectively, together with partners and communities, to ensure Herefordshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
