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According to the report by HMICFRS (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services), 61% of respondents say they are happy overall with only 12% dissatisfied. And if that wasn't enough, confidence in the police to deal effectively with a range of situations is high, with 74% of respondents most confident that police would be effective in dealing with an emergency.
So, good news - however, we must never rest on our laurels and more can be done especially in the area of police visibility - seeing more bobbies on the beat in local parlance.
The survey showed that although the majority of respondents have seen a police officer or PCSO on foot at least once in the past year, a sizeable proportion (36%) has not and that needs addressing.
However, I think we are getting there. Thanks to my investment in new technology all our officers and staff now have laptops and mobile phones enabling them to do their jobs anywhere out in the community - from coffee shops, libraries and community centres. Being visible, being accessible to the public.
My precept consultation reflects that, I'm asking for an extra £2 a month (based on an average band D property) to enable me to employ 41 extra officers - admittedly that's a drop in the ocean but it's better than no more officers.
Also, with the restructuring of our Roads Policing Department returning to Wiltshire, people of the county should see more patrol cars as well as officers out and about.
Engagement with our local communities is also a vital element of our policing and again we are working on improving this; we recruit Specials - people from all walks of life who bring their experiences into police work. My Restorative Justice Programme helps victims recover through meeting their perpetrators and the Domestic Violence Court Observers I funded to review a victim's experience of the court service, has helped to try and improve this part of the criminal justice system.
The role of Community Co-ordinators within the Community Policing Teams is also a key job in helping with public engagement which fits well alongside the very important work of our PCSOs.
Those officers work with schools and colleges, amongst others; as we have seen in the past week we've had the introduction of Mini Police scheme at some schools in Swindon - engaging Year 9 pupils with their interest in police work and good citizenship. Also, the early intervention programme is now being introduced where officers work with schools and pupils in an attempt to prevent youngsters turning to crime.
To quote Robert Peel - the founder of the British Police Force - policing needs the confidence of the public to work. According to this latest report, that appears to be happening - however, we, as a police Force need to continue to listen to the public - who ultimately pay for us - so their confidence in us remains and hopefully continues to grow.