A survey is giving residents of York the chance to express their views on crime, the fear of crime, confidence and their views on policing. Academics at the York Management School at the University of York, led by Professor Kiran Fernandes, have devised the survey with the support of North Yorkshire Police, Safer York Partnership and City of York Council.
The survey will gather the views of thousands of residents and former residents of York. A key feature of the research will be investigating the impact of where people live now and in the past on their attitudes towards the police.
It will give North Yorkshire Police an evidence-based analysis of public perceptions of the police that may be used by senior officers to allocate resources in a way that maximises public confidence in the services the force provides. People can complete the survey online at www.saferyork.org.uk/public-attitudes-survey.html. Touch screen terminals in the city centre and at the university will also collect survey responses.
Researcher Mike Perkins, of the York Management School, said: “Potential benefits from this research are wide-ranging, and could have a significant impact on residents of York, the academic community, the North Yorkshire Police and police forces across the UK.”
Councillor Sandy Fraser, City of York Council’s Cabinet Member for Crime and Community, said: “This project is an excellent opportunity for us to canvas public opinion on crime and community safety which will help agencies to ensure that their services are meeting the community’s needs. It is important that the police and the other enforcement agencies understand people’s perceptions and priorities in respect of the important work that is done in tackling crime in the city.
“I would urge as many of York’s citizens as possible, both young and older, to make their views known through this survey. We want to ensure that we can build the best possible picture of the needs and wishes of York people, to make what is already a relatively safe and low-crime area even less attractive to the criminal elements within our community.”
North Yorkshire’s Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick added: “North Yorkshire Police are committed to improving the service that we provide to the people of York, and we can only achieve this by seeking the views of the communities we serve. Working in partnership with the University and the Council is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable information from our communities and we would strongly encourage all residents to complete this survey.
“It will provide us with additional information about our communities which will assist us in shaping our resources to ensure we deliver the best possible policing service to the City of York.”
The survey was officially launched at the York Crime Summit in York city centre in April. People who complete the survey will have the chance of winning one of two £50 Amazon vouchers. The survey will run until June 30, with the results likely to be known in autumn 2012.
