Changes/Views on Local Police

Changes

Figure 5 shows the majority of respondents from Levenmouth noticed no changes in how local police engaged in the local area in the last six months (76%, n=76).

Six respondents who selected ‘No’ and three respondents who selected ‘Yes’ described the need for local police to have greater visibility in the local area. However, four respondents who selected ‘No’ noted that local police were more visible than before.

Two ‘Yes’ respondents and two ‘No’ respondents described positive developments in how local policing engaged with the community, including describing the community policing model as ‘…very positive [but] the resource is small and could do with being increased to give more capacity’.

Ward 21: Leven, Kennoway and Windygates, Lundin Links and Largos

90% (n=38) of respondents from Ward 21 answered ‘No’, 10% (n=4) of respondents answered ‘Yes’.

Four respondents noted improved community engagement by local police. The Levenmouth Together initiative was highlighted by one respondent as ‘a really good example of how things can work and really work well’. Two respondents noted that local police require improvement in responding to issues, specifically anti-social behaviour and general police attitudes towards the local community.

Ward 22: Buckhaven, Methil, Methilhill, Wemyss Villages

66% (n=38) of respondents from Ward 22 noted they had not noticed any changes, whereas 34% (n=20) said they had.

Two respondents who answered ‘Yes’ noted that local policing was proactive in embracing new community initiatives.

Two respondents who answered ‘No’ each noted a lack of police patrols, one respondent noted concerns regarding 999/101 waiting times. One of the respondents who answered ‘No’ also noted a lack of local police attendance at community council meetings. Two respondents who answered ‘No’ noted the impact of a lack of police resources, one respondent noted the closure of the local police station.

Three respondents who answered ‘Yes’ and two who answered ‘No’ noted a lack of police visibility in the local area which has resulted in an increase in crime. However, one respondent who answered ‘No’ noted a recent increase in police visibility

Views on Local Police

Figure 6 shows the majority of respondents from Levenmouth views on policing locally had not changed in the past six months (n= 75%, n=75)

Ward 21: Leven, Kennoway and Windygates, Lundin Links and Largos

26% (n=11) of respondents from Ward 21 answered ‘Yes’, 74% (n=31) of respondents answered ‘No’.

One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ and one respondent who answered ‘No’ noted issues related to 999/101 answer times, the ‘No’ respondent in particular stated issues regarding the call handler being unaware of local geography. One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ described local police as ‘worse’ and ‘more aggressive’ than before. One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ and one who answered ‘No’ each found that local police responses to some offenders were too lenient compared with other offenders.

Two respondents who answered ‘No’ and two respondents who answered ‘Yes’ each noted the lack of local police presence. One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ noted a lack of evidence that policing strategies targeting off-road motorcycles are being present in the local community.

One respondent who answered ‘No’ noted the continuing anti-social behaviour in their area despite previously contacting the police 18 months prior.

Ward 22: Buckhaven, Methil, Methilhill, Wemyss Villages

22% (n=13) of respondents from Ward 21 answered ‘Yes’, 76% (n=44) of respondents answered ‘No’ (2%, n=1, did not answer).

One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ and one respondent who answered ‘No’ highlighted the impact of resource restriction and demand upon their ability to complete their role. Two respondents who answered ‘Yes’ noted frustrations regarding their overall communications with local police.

One respondent who answered ‘Yes’, one respondent who answered ‘No’ and one ‘Not answer’ respondent each noted that the police were understaffed and lacked resources. One respondent who answered ‘Yes’ stated that ‘officers are not too keen to interact with anything going on within towns/villages’.

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

In total there were 42 responses in relation to Question 14. The following sections outline the themes that emerged in each Levenmouth ward area.

Ward 21: Leven, Kennoway and Windygates, Lundin Links and Largos

Respondents from Leven, Kennoway and Windygates, and Lundin Links and Largos predominantly noted issues related to staffing numbers and police patrol visibility.
Issues related to response times to 999/101 calls and the opening times/overall closure of local police stations were also highlighted as having an impact upon confidence. Tackling crime is also a recurring issue for respondents.

Ward 22: Buckhaven, Methil, Methilhill, Wemyss Villages

Respondents from Buckhaven, Methil, Methilhill, and Wemyss Villages predominantly noted the lack of police visibility.

Six respondents were concerned about the police being unable to tackle crime. One respondent also highlighted feelings of ‘stigma’ and ‘unconscious bias’ from the local police.

One respondent described the slow response time of police and suggested the placement of a ‘high street officer at least at busy times of year or when dark nights start’.

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

In total there were 24 responses in relation to Question 15.

A notable theme was the desire for a greater level of engagement in community policing, including greater police patrol visibility. One respondent stated that they’d ‘much rather see individual police out’ and queried if the police attendance at ‘organised activities (school, community etc) […] is [...] the best use of time’.

One respondent highlighted the need for ‘pro-active measures’ towards young people as it may impact upon ‘manag[ing] the levels of crime and anti-social behaviour they face in the years to come’.

However, it has also been recognised by various respondents that the issues related to police resourcing may impact upon the police’s ability to engage at a wider level than what they are at present.

Three respondents have highlighted positive experiences when engaging with the police on their respective issues, whilst other respondents are also grateful for the efforts of the local police.