NCJ Number
155384
Date Published
1994
Length
95 pages
Annotation
Citizens of Long Beach, Calif. were surveyed in 1993 to determine their views regarding the perceived level of safety, priority of police services, and image and rating of the police department.
Abstract
A short survey questionnaire was distributed by mail, in libraries, in the daily newspaper, and in a bimonthly business journal. These surveys received a total of 1,402 responses. In addition, a more comprehensive survey questionnaire was distributed at 14 public meetings and received 226 completed responses. Results revealed that a large number of citizens do not perceive a high level of safety in their community. Responding to emergency calls for service was overwhelmingly ranged as the top priority service expected or desired of the police department. Ranked second and third were reducing the level of illegal gang activity and investigating crimes against persons. The majority of participants rated the response time of the police department as either good or excellent, although fewer than half of the citizens rated the quality of service as good or excellent. Only 37 percent agreed with the statement that the police department has a positive image in the community. Additional results, recommendations, figures, tables, and appended instruments