Focus Group Qualitative Analysis

This report (Appendix 3) contains in-depth qualitative analysis based on the use of two focus groups. The research was conducted in May 2024 by the Diffley Partnership on behalf of the Authority.  The Policing Performance Committee has previously expressed the view that deriving qualitative insights into what drives confidence and trust in policing would add value to existing high-level public polling activity.

Participants were recruited to these particular focus groups on the basis that they had consistently expressed low levels of trust and confidence in the police, and the purpose behind the two focus groups was to unpack the reasons for low trust and confidence and identify ways in which trust and confidence might be improved.

The detailed report contains a wide range of insights into why some people hold negative views about the police. As a very high-level summary, the following observations form overall highlights:

Problems associated with antisocial behaviour, the behaviour of young people, and issues relating to speeding and use of mopeds off-road are cited as problematic issues that require to be addressed.

Communication about policing activity is insufficient, combined with a perception that the police are not sufficiently visible to communities.

The police service is viewed as having cultural/attitudinal problems that translate into how people say they have experienced policing, with some participants referencing a bullying/authoritarian style of interacting with people.

High-profile incidents, even where they are historic, are referenced as having a detrimental effect on people’s trust and confidence in the police.