Changes/Views on Local Police

The majority of respondents noticed no changes in how local police engaged in the local area in the last six months (82%, n=47). Six respondents who selected ‘Yes’ noted police seemed ‘down to earth and normal’ and one explicitly referenced the PPCW outreach officer engaging with local people. Other comments included there being more police vans at night, that police were “never around” or there appeared to be less police on the streets, and that police were not tackling the drug problem in Letham.

Two who selected ‘No’ and two who did not answer also commented. Of these, two reported they had not noticed, one that they had no comment and the other that police were not visible and, when seen, were usually driving and “turning a blind eye”.

79% (n=45) stated their view of policing locally had not changed in the past six months. 17 respondents provided further detail with the most consistent comment relating to a lack of police presence/visibility.

Q14: A key part of this project is focused on understanding why people may be less confident in policing in the area. Please let us know below the things you think may impact confidence

There were 35 comments in response to Q14. The majority (n=19) related to a lack of police visibility and presence in the area, with some mentioning a desire for community policing and street presence. There is a sentiment within a small number of the responses that the police operate in a reactive manner and are visible in the community when incidents occur. A small number of respondents also mentioned police response being slow or being refused help – although one respondent did note a quick response. Another respondent noted some officers being quite aggressive and intimidating, yet they mentioned some were also pleasant. Many responses highlighted issues in the area (e.g. alcohol and drug use, antisocial behaviour etc.) and four respondents specifically noted issues not being addressed by police (although one attributed this to the current legal system).

Q15: If you have any comments on the topics raised within this survey, please detail them in the text box below

There were 10 responses to Q15. There were no notable themes, but resources was mentioned by two respondents with one noting issues around police funding impacting the level of police presence and that with cuts in the budget from Scottish Government that it was unlikely there would be improvement. Another noted the impact of resourcing but felt that safety and wellbeing of people in the area would surely be a top priority. This respondent also noted increased paperwork and office working, but commented that there must be a way to balance this and allow officers to return to the streets and “not be frightened to act” in case that lead to an increase in paperwork. One highlighted that it was difficult to keep the balance between friendliness and authority, along with presence and safety in today’s society. One respondent was also sure that “most people would like to see the ‘Bobby on the beat’ and that children could “do with some direction on how to behave”.