Residents’ positive views on police (From York Press)

Residents’ positive views on police

8:01am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

THOUSANDS of residents quizzed about crime in York have returned a positive verdict on policing in the city.

Academics at the York Management School at the University of York devised the survey, with support from North Yorkshire Police, Safer York Partnership and City of York Council, to reveal people’s attitudes towards crime and disorder.

It gathered the views of more than 2,400 residents and former residents of York on crime, the fear of crime, their confidence and views on policing.

Three-quarters of respondents felt York was safe overall and more than 90 per cent indicated they were satisfied with their local area as a place in which to live.

About 70 per cent had confidence in York police and more than 80 per cent felt they could rely on them to treat them with respect. Most also had positive views about the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in their areas. Rubbish and litter issues were generally the biggest cause for concern.

Asked what would increase confidence in the police in York, most asked for increased police presence and visibility, though many suggested greater communication and community engagement by the force would also be helpful.

North Yorkshire’s temporary chief constable, Tim Madgwick, said the results were positive, but the force was not complacent.