Calgary,
26
July
2018
|
10:00
America/Denver

Calgary Police Commission Releases 2018 Citizen Survey Results

The results of the 2018 Calgary Police Commission citizen survey are in and citizens remain positive about safety and policing in our city, and offer insight into areas for improvement.

The Commission conducts comprehensive research annually to understand how citizens feel about safety in Calgary, the Calgary Police Service, and to identify opportunities to improve services for the community. This research is one tool, among many, that the Commission and Calgary Police Service use to inform decisions about budgets and priorities.

Citizen survey by the numbers:

  • The vast majority of citizens feel that Calgary is a safe place to live, are satisfied with the Calgary Police Service, and have confidence that the Calgary Police Service can deliver the services needed to keep Calgary safe. However, these measures have been declining.
  • Citizens suggest CPS could improve services with a greater visible police presence, more transparent and accountable communications, more officers, and improved officer training.
  • House break-ins, illegal drugs, and vehicle thefts are the top crime and safety concerns in 2018.
  • Nearly half of Calgarians feel CPS is not adequately staffed, which is the lowest rating CPS received in the survey.
  • CPS received the highest ratings from citizens who had in-person interactions with police.
  • Citizens want greater financial investment in violent crimes, drugs, and gangs, as well as crime prevention and community partnerships.
  • While 91 per cent of citizens agree that CPS has a good understanding of their community and its concerns, they suggest CPS could better address community needs through greater presence, involvement, tolerance, and diversity.

Quotes:

Brian Thiessen, Chair, Calgary Police Commission

“We appreciate the time that hundreds of citizens took to give us their feedback. Input from the community is an essential part of keeping police responsive and accountable, especially at such an important time for the Calgary Police Service. This information will inform the direction of CPS and budget in the coming years, as well as the priorities of the next chief of police.”

Ray Robitaille, Acting Chief, Calgary Police Service

“We are currently in the process of developing our next business and action plan for 2019 to 2022 and this feedback from the community will play a key part in how we prioritize and manage our services moving forward. It is no secret that we have been facing some significant societal issues connected to drug use and related crime in our city. However, I am extremely proud of the commitment shown by members of the Service as they tackle these problems with limited resource and increasing calls for service.”

Yvonne Brouwers, President & CEO, Illumina Research Partners

“The quality of information that citizens provide to the Commission through this survey is exceptional. After eleven years conducting this research, CPS is still performing well. Citizens support the Calgary Police Service. However, the strength of that satisfaction and confidence has been slipping in recent years, which is noteworthy for the Commission and CPS leadership.”

Quick facts:

  • The Calgary Police Commission provides independent, civilian oversight of the Calgary Police Service.
  • The Calgary Police Commission partnered with Illumina Research Partners, an accredited gold seal member of the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, to conduct this research.
  • Data was collected from 1000 residents of Calgary over an eight week period between March 15 and May 6, 2018.
  • The 19-minute telephone survey asks multiple rating questions along with open-ended questions to better understand the reasons behind certain ratings.
  • The results are predicted to be accurate for the general population to within +/- 3.1 per cent 19 times out of 20 (a 95 per cent confidence level).
  • The Alberta Provincial Policing Standards Manual requires formal consultation with the community every four years. Surveys can take the form of phone, interview, or forum. Since 2008, the Calgary Police Commission has been conducting citizen research annually.

The full report is available at www.calgarypolicecommission.ca.

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