Problem
The Problem Addressed:
The study aimed to evaluate community trust, perceptions of safety, and satisfaction with the Bend Police Department (BPD) to guide public safety initiatives and inform the BPD's strategic plan.
General Impact:
Understanding community sentiment about law enforcement is critical for addressing concerns such as trust in police, safety perceptions, and community-police relations, which directly affect public safety strategies.
Research Questions Answered:
- How trustworthy is the BPD, and how has trust changed over time?
- What are the community's perceptions of safety in various settings?
- How effective is the BPD in reducing crime and addressing community concerns?
- What are the community's priorities for public safety?
Method and Analysis
Program Evaluated:
The BPD’s community engagement, crime reduction efforts, and strategic public safety management as part of their Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Data and Sample Size:
A survey was conducted in November-December 2022 with a random selection of 10,000 households, achieving a 14% response rate.
Analysis Used:
Statistical comparisons of survey responses by demographic factors (age, race, region, etc.), qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses, and year-over-year trend analysis.
Outcome
Key Findings:
- Trust in BPD increased slightly from 2021 to 2023, with 79% of respondents finding the department trustworthy.
- Safety perceptions remained high during the daytime (90+%) but dropped significantly at night, particularly in parks and downtown.
- Public priorities included addressing violent crimes, DUI enforcement, and property crime investigation.
- Satisfaction with police interactions was high, but victims of crime reported lower satisfaction levels.
- Respondents expressed concerns about homelessness, traffic safety, and the impact of city growth on public safety.
Implications/Recommendations:
- BPD should continue efforts to build trust through community engagement and transparency.
- Address community concerns about homelessness and traffic safety with targeted programs.
- Enhance police visibility and responsiveness to improve safety perceptions, particularly in parks and downtown areas.
- Strengthen follow-up and communication with crime victims to improve satisfaction.
- Align police resources with community growth to manage rising challenges effectively.
The findings underscore the importance of proactive community engagement, clear communication about law enforcement priorities, and addressing community concerns holistically to foster trust and cooperation.