Public and Victim Satisfaction Surveys
Date of request: 17 May 2021
Reference: 658/21
Request
Please could I request under the Freedom of Information Act a summary of the qualitative and quantitative research you have undertaken (surveys, focus groups, depth interviews) that have focused on public or victim perceptions of policing generally or your force specifically, covering 2019 and 2020 calendar years.
Ideally, I would like to see the outputs of the research, but if that is not possible then a simple summary of what research has been undertaken would suffice.
Response
The Constabulary run a number of surveys to extract insight around public and victims views on local policing services. The main two surveys utilised (there are some specialist / bespoke surveys that run in certain areas of business) are:
- Victim satisfaction Survey
- Local Public Confidence Survey
Victim Satisfaction Survey
Avon and Somerset Constabulary holds data of satisfaction surveys which is provided by a market research company that we have commissioned and is independently carried out with cases chosen at random (whilst random, victims are ‘screened’ to ensure they are appropriate for surveying i.e. no mental health issues etc).
The survey focuses on Anti-social Behaviour, Burglary, Hate Crime and Violent Crime only.
The rolling twelve month satisfaction rate is 75.8% (74.6% previous 12 months) which has been consistent for a number of years.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary also engages in a vulnerable victim’s survey which is offered for completion to victims whose case have progressed through the criminal justice system. The paper survey and accompanying pre-paid envelope is provided in the final communication made by the Witness Care Team. It also includes the ability to complete the survey online. It is not broken down by crime type or outcome. Historically satisfaction has been at a rate of 4 out of 5. However, the survey is currently under review.
Local Public Confidence Survey
This survey is jointly commissioned by the PCC office and the constabulary. The survey captures views from random members of the public using a market research company. We survey approximately 3000 members of the public annually across the force area. The survey is stratified by age group and local authority area.
The rolling twelve month overall public confidence rate is 79.7% (previously 76%). The results are supplemented by a number of additional questions and can be filtered by demographics, geographies etc.