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 (73%, n=102). There were 42 comments made (35 from those who selected ‘Yes’ and 7 who selected ‘No’ – although one comment was not relevant to the question). 32 of these comments related to visibility and presence, with 28 noting a lack of police presence and/or visibility (e.g. only being in vehicles, low police numbers impacting engagement, stations being closed, not knowing officers, lack of engagement in community, no anti speeding campaigns etc.). The other four comments on visibility and presence mentioned there being more officers in the area and engagement from officers, and officers seeming more approachable and interested”.

The other nine relevant comments related to a lack of response to drug crime, a lack of support for victims of crime, inconsistent response to issues from officers, issues with centralised policing (e.g. dispatchers unable to determine location of incidents). However, one mentioned a positive being more officers who were not from the area due to a perception they would not “take sides”, another stated “more active”, and one mentioned the PPCW Community Officer being “approachable” and “willing to become involved”.

76% (n=105) stated their view of policing locally had not changed in the past six months. 45 respondents provided further detail, although one was not relevant to the question. The most consistent comment related to a lack of police presence/visibility (e.g. lack of staff/officers, always being seen in cars, no “village Bobby” etc.) and a lack of resourcing. Other comments related to waiting times for response, call wait times (e.g. 101), policing seeming to “pick on youngsters”, accessibility (e.g. stations being closed, everything being online etc.), issues in police not tackling crime (e.g. anti-social behaviour), and a positive comment on the PPCW Community Officer improving their view of policing locally.

Q13: 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 116 comments in response to Q13.The majority of responses (n=59) related to a lack of police visibility and presence in the area. This also included access to the local police station and a wide appetite from respondents for police officers to engage more with the local area and become part of the community. Ten respondents noted the impact of centralised policing upon Wick and the need for rural communities to be policed differently to larger cities. A lack of police resources which directly impacted upon the ability of local police to effectively do their jobs, and frustrations related to call handling and response times were also common themes. Many responses highlighted drug use and dealing, anti-social behaviour, and vandalism were particular crime trends which needed to be addressed by local police (although two respondents also noted the role of the court system in not providing sufficient punishment). The unprofessional conduct of local police officers was also highlighted as being of concern to respondents. One respondent described a “boy’s club mentality”, whilst three respondents noted rumours of police corruption in the local area.

Q14: If you have any comments on the topics raised within this survey, please detail them in the text box below

There were 35 comments in response to Q14. There were a number of notable themes. Visibility in local communities was a prominent issue for thirteen respondents, noting a lack of police officers patrolling the local area and a desire for greater levels of community engagement with young people, local groups and at local events. This linked to respondents’ overall trust in local policing. In addition, three respondents noted negative interactions with local police, including rudeness and being dismissive. However, one respondent commended the positive steps taken by local police to engage with Wick High School. Six respondents highlighted the negative impact of centralised policing on rural communities like Wick. Two respondents stated their reluctance to contact Police Scotland to report crimes due to frustrations with call centres. The presence of drugs in the local area and issues relating to anti-social behaviour, including anti-social behaviour by teenagers, were also highlighted by respondents.