Calgary, AB,
16
October
2015
|
08:30
America/Denver

CALGARY POLICE COMMISSION RELEASES 2015 CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS

 

CALGARY– The results of the Calgary Police Commission 2015 citizen survey are now available and they show that citizen perception about the safety of the city remain strong.

Ninety-seven per cent of citizens have confidence in the Calgary Police Service and 95 per cent of citizens agree that Calgary is a safe place to live. Satisfaction with the Calgary Police Service also remains high, with 95 per cent of survey respondents saying they’re satisfied with the services provided by CPS.  

“It’s encouraging for the police commission to see that most citizens trust the police service, that they’ve had positive experiences with police officers, and that they recognize that officers are well-trained, professional, and ethical,” said Commission Vice-Chair Lisa Silver.

Additional highlights include:

  • Citizens who had contact with officers gave them high scores for professionalism, respectfulness, courtesy, and communicating information clearly.
  • Officers also received the highest scores since 2009 for being ethical, competent, responding in a fair way, and understanding the safety needs and concerns of citizens.
  • There are steady improvements in the perception that CPS provides an adequate level of service and are ‘there when needed.’
  • Most citizens are aware that the CPS provides school programs and early intervention and prevention programs to help reduce youth involvement in crime and gang activities.
  • While half of Calgarians feel that crime has stayed the same over the last 12 months, 37 per cent of Calgarians feel that crime has increased during that time.
  • Concerns about gang and drug crime have increased since 2014. The safety issues of greatest concern are break-ins, illegal gang activity, and illegal drug activities.

“Hearing from the community is critical. This information helps us plan for the future,” continued Vice-Chair Silver. “By seeing where gaps might exist between expectation and perception around public safety, we get the opportunity to make improvements that will enhance the trust that exists between police and the community.”

Since 2008, the Calgary Police Commission has been conducting the citizen survey annually as part of its civilian oversight role. The survey is an important tool for understanding citizen expectations and measuring satisfaction and confidence in the Calgary Police Service. The information is used by the commission and CPS to improve programs and services.

Data was collected from 1002 residents of Calgary over an eight week period between June 22 and August 16, 2015.

The full report is now available on www.calgarypolicecommission.ca