Community satisfaction survey results shared by police

The results are in for the Prince William County Police Department’s (PWCPD) most recent Community Satisfaction Survey.

The questionnaire, which was performed in December, must be carried out every two years for the police department to maintain its accreditation with CALEA, according to a release from the PWCPD.

“The results provide another opportunity for our agency to receive feedback on the delivery of police services and how we are doing,” the release stated. “Surveys are another tool to help guide decision making on where we need to focus our resources to improve police services.”

Research and consulting firm Issues + Answers did the survey, which focused on nine areas: Quality of Life, Overall Performance of Police Department, Courtesy & Helpfulness of Police Officers, Promptness of Police Department, Fair Treatment by Police Department, Information & Crime Prevention Programs, Police Attitudes & Behaviors, Animal Control, and Neighborhood Safety.

Officials conducted more than 825 English and Spanish phone interviews.

Here is more information about the Community Satisfaction Survey results for each category, according to the survey:

Quality of Life: Most county residents have positive feelings about the quality of life, with 98 percent at least satisfied and 68 percent very satisfied. This is an increase from the 95 percent satisfaction rate in 2018.
Overall Performance of Police Department: Between 2018 and 2020, the percentage of those who were satisfied and very satisfied with the PWCPD’s performance rose from 92 to 96.
Courtesy & Helpfulness of Police Officers: In 2020, 95 percent of residents were satisfied or very satisfied with the police department’s courtesy and helpfulness, a 3 percent increase from 2018.
Promptness of Police Department: The promptness of police when help is requested also went up by 3 percent. In 2020, 97 percent felt satisfied or very satisfied.
Fair Treatment by Police Department: When it comes to treating people fairly, the amount of community members who were satisfied or very satisfied jumped from 88 percent in 2018 to 93 percent in 2020.
Information & Crime Prevention Programs: Ninety-two percent of residents were satisfied or very satisfied about information and crime prevention programs in 2018. This increased to 96 percent two years later.
Police Attitudes & Behaviors: There was a 4 percent rise in the percentage in the satisfaction rate with police attitudes and behaviors. In the most recent survey, 96 percent shared positive perspectives.
Animal Control: The satisfaction of county residents regarding animal control went up to 95 percent, a 3 percent increase.
Neighborhood Safety: From 2018 to 2020, the percentage of community members who were satisfied and very satisfied about neighborhood safety rose from 96 to 98.