OPCC Annual Survey 2019

We recently conducted a pan Bedfordshire survey and wanted to share the headline results with you. 

Overall 

– A total of 560 residents of Bedfordshire answered the survey. 
– 65% of respondents would like to see a more visible return to policing and to ensure that police are there when they need them. We have 
used this information to reinforce the position of the PCC 
– Again, we struggled to receive the views from 16-24 year olds as they only made up 2% of respondents views in the survey which is why 
we have begun the BYC Beds Youth Council. We have changed the approach to gaining the views of young people and will be using this 
forum to be police influencers. 

Crime 

– Similarly to last year, burglary and anti-social behaviour are the two crime types that people feel most affects them in their local area. 
When asked about other issues that affected communities (that were not listed) the highest response was the concern about illegal 
encampments and the fear they cause specifically around theft from motor vehicles. 57% of respondents feel safe or very safe in the area 
that they live, which is a 3% increase compared to last year. 

Victim 

– 64% of respondents were unaware of the number of police stations and hubs within Bedfordshire as a result 59% of respondents have not 
used the current stations. This will require more force communications. The respondents’ most popular form of communication is via email. 
The OPCC has asked the Force to launch a full project on the communication of the presence of its stations in communities and how 
individuals can make contact with the Force.   
– 32% of residents have been a victim of crime within the last three years. However additional comments do show that those close to victims 
also feel affected. The majority of victims did report the crime.   
– 15% stated they were referred to Victims Services which is a decrease of 16%. Of these, only 13% indicated they were either dissatisfied 
or very dissatisfied, which is an improvement of last year by 28%. This has influenced our review of Signpost, we are aware the quality of 
service is good but the access and knowledge to the service requires improving and this will form part of the review which is reported to at 
Strategic Board. 
– The most common views on services needed for victims were having someone to talk too and help with reporting the incident. 33% would 
also like assistance beyond court. Some respondents also felt that being kept up to date on ongoing investigations would be the most 
beneficial to them in terms of positive support. This will be taken to the Strategic Board for discussion as this should be covered under 
Victim Code of Compliance in crime management. 

Community Resolution 

– In the 2018 survey, 60% of the respondents wanted to see community resolutions being used, with the public wanting to see reparation 
resolutions. In the 2019 survey, after having launched the Community Remedy, only 29% of respondents knew about the scheme. After 
explaining more about Community Remedy, the most popular community remedy was reparation/unpaid work. This reflects the 2018 
survey results. 

The recommendations which were highlighted in the findings of the annual survey have a direct focus on how the OPCC both supports and 
applies scrutiny to Bedfordshire Police. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has a monthly strategic board which is the forum 
to hold the Chief Constable and his force to account, the recommendations have been presented to the Executive Team and these will be 
continually monitored.