Police Chiefs Desk Reference

8
Internal &

8. Surveys
Community
Surveys
Internal & Community Surveys: An Overview
Durham Citizens Survey Questionnaire
Durham Internal Survey
Lexington Internal Survey
Lexington Public Safety
Geddes Community Satisfaction Survey
 Police Chiefs Desk Reference

Internal & Community Surveys

Quedistribution
stionnaires are typically used for survey research to determine the current status or to estimate the
of characteristics in a population. The effective use of an agency’s internal survey or a
community safety survey can allow an agency to respond to their employee’s and communities needs in ways
that can improve satisfaction and support. Agencies can use the results of the survey as a catalyst for
continued improvement.

Getting started can be daunting but much of the questionnaire construction is common sense. Some ground
rules to keep in mind when writing a survey include the following:

• Each question should relate directly to your survey objectives.

• Every respondent should be able to answer every question (unless instructed otherwise).
• Each question should be phrased so that all respondents interpret it the same way.
• Each question should provide answers to what you need to know, not what would be nice to know.

Objective
First, determine the objective of the survey. What do I want to know? Having a clear, quantitative survey
objective helps you define the scope of your survey and measure its success following completion.

Attributes
Next, decide the attribute you want to measure. As with determining the objective, choose which attribute to
measure based on your objectives to compliment the data evaluation you plan to complete. Some attributes
you may choose to measure include:

1. Attitude
2. Knowledge
3. Skills
4. Behaviors and practices
5. Perceptions of knowledge, skills or behavior
6. Goals, intentions, aspirations
7. Demographics

Of course, it's possible you might measure more than one attribute, but the questions will be clearly different
based on the information you are trying to gather.

Audience
Determine who your audience is. Are you seeking information from your department, the elderly, students, or
citizens as a whole for example? Identifying your audience will affect how you compose your questionnaire.

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Measurement
Use scales that are appropriate for the audience and for the information needed. Some choices are:

Fixed Response (Quantitative)

• Yes-No
• Multiple Choice
• Rating scale/Continuum - A typical question using a Likert Scale might ask the respondent whether
they are Very Satisfied – Satisfied – Neutral – Dissatisfied – Very Dissatisfied.

Very Very
Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied
Dissatisfied Satisfied
How satisfied are you
with the courtesy of the
officers?

• Rank ordering – These questions ask the respondent to assign a ranking to a list of items.

What do you think are the current policing priorities of this Department? (Please
rank the TOP THREE – 1 being the most important)

Responding to Emergency Calls

Service Calls and Assistance
Promoting Police-Community
Crime Prevention
Traffic Regulations & Enforcement
Public Order Maintenance
Drug & Alcohol Enforcement
Encouraging Voluntary Compliance of Laws & Regulations
Education
Problem Solving
Other: _______________________________________

These questions are quick to answer, which facilitates analyzing the results. Occasionally, however, fixed
response questions may draw misleading conclusions because the respondent cannot qualify responses,
e.g. "Yes, but…" or "It depends" where only Yes/No are given as options.

Narrative Response (Qualitative)

Narrative responses allow respondents greater freedom of expression. There is no bias due to limited
response ranges and the respondents can qualify their answers. On the other hand, these responses are
time consuming to code and the researcher may misinterpret (and therefore misclassify) a response.

Reliability
Finally, check the reliability of your survey before it is distributed. Conduct a test of a few respondents and
analyze the results to determine if you are receiving the information you need or if the question/s need
rephrasing.

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The Final Product

Once you have a clear objective, determined who will receive your survey and the survey is written, you next
must invite the respondents to participate. Communicate the reason for the survey in the introduction.
Identifying at least one tangible or intangible benefit to respondents for answering the survey will help you
compose an invitation that encourages respondents to complete the survey. A tangible benefit could be in the
form of money or a gift; whereas an intangible benefit is a chance to voice opinions or contribute to research
they view as valuable. There are five main parts of an invitation:

1. Introduction
2. Why the respondents have been selected to respond
3. How long will the survey take
4. What benefit will they get for responding
5. How their responses will be used / confidentiality

This chapter features surveys used by the: Durham Police Department, NH; Lexington Police Department,
MA; and Geddes Police Department, NY. Each agency incorporated many of these strategies into their
survey design. Some agencies used help from a nearby university. There are also many web-based survey
instruments available to assist in this process.

Durham Police Department, NH

Chief Dave Kurz was hired from outside the department and given specific instructions by the Town Council
to “be a change agent that would prepare the department for the new millennium”. He saw his role as one
that would guide the department to wherever the community wanted it to go. The tool that would contribute
to the development of that roadmap would be the community survey.

Facts
The Durham Police Department had never used a survey that asked its’ client base their opinions pertaining
to safety, programs that were desired or not, their perceptions of the department and its’ responsiveness to
these issues. As host to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and 12,000 students, Durham can be two
distinctly different communities. During the day, it is the quintesstentail New England college town with
students carrying backpacks with books and at night the same backpacks contain alcoholic beverages. This
unique environment had to be incorporated in the survey. Using the UNH Survey Department and a grad
student looking for a real-life project, a fifty-question survey was sent to each property using the Town’s
Assessing Department’s database for mailings. By working with the U.S. Post Office, bulk mail rates and a
mechanism that allowed for only those surveys returned to be billed to the department saved considerable
funds. Contacting the local media to produce an article about the survey as well as using the community’s
local access television acted as a marketing strategy resulting in a 47% return.

Organizational Benefits
The survey results allowed the organization to focus limited resources upon issues that were deemed
important by the community and transition from those that were not. To the department’s surprise pedestrian
violations and safety were identified as the number one citizen concern. These facts eliminated anecdotal
discussion and allowed for the development of a very comprehensive strategy that included additional
personnel to address the community concern. The community saw in a very real way that the department was
using the results of the survey to make changes and praised the organization for doing so. The staff, feeling
the gratitude, recognized the importance of asking the community what it desired.

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Lexington Police Department, MA

The Lexington Massachusetts Police Department created a community survey to solicit feedback from
residents about crime, quality of life issues and opinions about the department’s effectiveness. Chief
Christopher Casey used the survey “as a quality assurance tool to measure how the police department was
meeting the public safety needs of the residents.”

Facts
Community surveys were conducted in 1993 and 1999. The first survey was managed in-house using an
intern to enter respondent answers into a software program that tabulated the results. The department
partnered with a nearby university for the second survey and a graduate student was responsible for managing
the project. A residential mailing list was randomly developed. The respondents were instructed to remove
their original address label to ensure anonymity when they returned the survey. The department prepaid
return postage. Three thousand surveys were sent with a 27% response rate.

Organizational Benefits
Survey results were extremely positive and helped reinforce the resident’s appreciation for the work the
department performs. The survey also helped focus future policy, budget and program discussions around
priorities that the community indicated were of concern. Some of these topics were domestic violence,
aggressive driving and drugs. The survey also sent a positive message to the community, that the agency is
interested in the perspectives of its the citizens.

Geddes Police Department, NY

Chief Michael Walsh, of the Geddes Police Department, NY likes to hear the community’s impressions and
thoughts about their police department. Does the community think the department is doing a good job?
What programs would they like provided? What can be improved in areas like traffic enforcement? “The
survey helps us remain responsive to the community needs and concerns,” says Chief Walsh.

Facts
A student from the Syracuse University Maxwell School conducted the survey at no charge to the
department. Agency involvement was relatively minimal (a few meetings and some phone calls), as the
student does the work. Chief Walsh feels the survey is more impartial since it is conducted by a third party
rather than by the police department. He plans on doing the survey every three years.

Organizational Benefits
The survey is used as a public relations tool, a planning tool and as a basis for grants. For example, if the
survey shows that the residents want more traffic enforcement, and they feel that we are not meeting their
needs, we would include that information in a grant application for traffic safety initiatives.

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Citizen Perception of Crime in Durham, NH

1. Taking into consideration the last year, what is your perception of crime in Durham. Has it
increased, decreased or remained the same?

Increased Decreased Remained the same

2. Have you limited, changed or curtailed your activities in Durham due to your concern of crime?

Yes No

3. Do you feel that crime is such an issue in Durham that you have considered moving?

Yes No

How significant do you view the following situations in Durham during the daytime hours?

not concerned concerned very concerned

4. Having your home burglarized

5. Walking within Durham

6. Driving through Durham

7. Children are safe

8. Children exposed to drugs

9. Strangers loitering near your home

10. Illegal parking

How significant do you view the following situations in Durham during the nighttime hours?

not concerned concerned very concerned

11. Having your home burglarized

12. Walking within Durham

13. Driving through Durham

14. Children are safe

15. Children exposed to drugs

16. Strangers loitering near your home

17. Illegal parking

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To what extent are the issues listed below a problem within the Durham community?

Significant Somewhat Negligible

18. Carhorns/stereos/alarms

19. Speeding cars/screeching tires

20. Dilapidated streets/sidewalks

21. Visible drug possession and use

22. Illegal dumping/littering

23. Loud music from homes

24. Loud music from UNH facilities

25. Noisy neighbors

26. Parking/traffic problems

27. Pedestrians jay-walking

28. Cars not yielding to pedestrians

29. Bicycle riding on sidewalks

30. Bicycle riding against traffic

31. Inadequate street lighting

32. Public drinking/intoxication

33. Stray/barking dogs

34. Trespassing upon your property

35. Unsupervised children

36. Vandalism/graffiti

37. Youths “hanging around”

38. Is the Durham Police Department responsive to your needs?

Yes No

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39. Would you hesitate to call the Durham Police Department for assistance?

Yes No

40. Overall, how well do you feel the Durham Police Department does in providing services to the
community?

Excellent Good Fair Poor

41. Your age: under 19 20-29 30-39

40-49 50-59 60 plus

42. Sex: Male Female

43. Please tell us your street or area of Durham where you live.

Which programs (existing and proposed) should the Durham Police sustain?

No support Strong support

Home security review

DARE

Police bicycle patrol

Police foot patrol

Police Cadet program

(Teenage explorer program)

Elder services

Police athletic league

Landlord/tenant training

Citizen police academy

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Durham Police Department

Five Year Strategic Plan

Internal Survey
As all of you know, we are in the midst of developing a five-year Strategic Plan that will provide the road map
for the agency to follow as we deliver services to the community. In large part, much of the success the
organization will enjoy is primarily due to how our customers perceive us. Are we responsive, do we listen
when things go badly or only when we are complimented? With the completion of a community survey and
the data provided, we now move to the next phase. The Strategic-planning meeting of May 2nd is the
progression’s next logical step further involving members of the public to assist us developing this roadmap
for the future.

As the stakeholders of this agency delivering services to the public, your responses to these questions will
greatly enlighten the citizens committee. They will also assist me in finalizing the Five-year plan.

Each of you will be asked to consider the following sub-categories for the various components of the
organization.

• How effective are we?

• What, if anything, should we change?
• What challenges do we face now?
• What challenges will we face in the future?
Your answers to the survey should be as thoughtful and comprehensive as possible. Please take your time in
completing this survey. Supervisors will allocate time from your schedule enabling completion by the April
8th. Narrative comments or explanations are strongly encouraged.

* Italics indicate a synopsis of the written responses to the questionnaire.

Prosecution
Consider the entire prosecution function including investigative guidance, case preparation and
support, scheduling issues, plea bargains as well as relationships with the district and superior courts

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Most officers spoke of scheduling conflicts, ie, working the nightshift until 0300 and returning to court at
0900 only to have a prolonged trial and return to work at 5pm.

All officers are very pleased about the manner that Tom Dunnington, Esq. handles prosecution issues. More
officer involvement in plea negotiations (if necessary) was also mentioned

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What challenges currently face this function?

A double-jeopardy situation with UNH judicial court. Officers see the use of this mechanism as erratic and
not consistent.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Concern for court time (think about night court), scheduling and consistency for sanctions and fine.

Accreditation
Consider the accreditation process as it impacts working conditions and services provided to the
community. Consider the process, not necessarily the resulting policies.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Officers generally embrace the process but are concerned with the personnel resources focusing upon the efforts
during a period where there is such turnover in staff. A recognition that this is a short term issue was
common in all survey responses

What challenges currently face this function?

Maintaining the status

What challenges will face this function in the future?

None were noted

Salary, Benefits & Human Resource Support

Comment on the total compensation package provided as well as other support services, such as the
Employee Assistance Program, etc.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Since the contract was recently signed, no issues were raised.

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What challenges currently face this function?

The general consensus is that no one will get rich as a police officer. Maintaining a decent salary which will
retain veteran officers is seen as a long term issue.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Patrol Operations
Consider all patrol shifts. Evaluate how calls for service are handled and investigated, staffing levels
provided, cost effectiveness.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

More officers. Currently patrol shifts are not filled or are covered by a Captain and/or the Chief who
respond from their office and do not perform preventive patrol. All respondents recognize the current problems
are due to turnover and training issues.

Add downtown officer

Add one more night officer

What challenges currently face this function?

UNH student problems will persist if the department does not have a high presence to deflect problems.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

A concentrated effort to replace the aging vehicle fleet, radios, light bars was of primary concern

Communications
Consider the general dispatch function. In this section, the status of all communications equipment,
including mobile and portable radios should be reviewed.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

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Current dispatching has dramatically improved. UNH security sometimes “steps” on DPD radio traffic.
Have UNH switch to other channels for routine, non-law enforcement issues.

What challenges currently face this function?

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Get own dispatch center

Parking Enforcement
The role of the Parking Enforcement Officer should be considered, as well as the role Police
Officers play in parking enforcement and management.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Pay Dick Martin more money. Do anything to keep him.

What challenges currently face this function?

Computerization, more meters mean more violations to focus upon.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Finding someone as efficient as Dick Martin when he retires

Police Mountain Bike Patrol

Consider the deployment of the Mountain Bike Officers separately and as part of the patrol shift.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Not all supervisors use in the same manner. Have assigned Bike Patrol throughout season both days and
nights.

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What challenges currently face this function?

Get all supervisors to see value and use consistently.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Purchase new bikes, training and equipment

Animal Control Function

In reviewing this area, consider its part-time status, as well as the role of the Police Officers and
other employees in accomplishing this service

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Get Dick Martin to do this function. Current does not work. Page ACO without response

What challenges currently face this function?

Personnel

What challenges will face this function in the future?

More calls without resources

Vehicles and Vehicle Maintenance

Review and comment on the vehicles of the agency.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Getting vehicles routinely maintained and back on-line quickly.

What challenges currently face this function?

Aging fleet….higher maintenance costs and more down-time

What challenges will face this function in the future?

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Clerical Staff
In this section, consider support provided in the area of record management, role as members of the
agency and overall effectiveness.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Things are fine. Staff is responsive. Message taking has improved. Get glass barrier for reception area.

What challenges currently face this function?

Marge’s pending retirement. Computerize more records with access to more of the agency.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

New software. TIPS is antiquated and breaks down frequently.

Juvenile Investigations
Consider the overall handling of juvenile cases. Comment on removing this function as a
specialized field.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Looks good. Possibly more training for others to handle cases.

What challenges currently face this function?

Time consuming. Captain McGann performs this function by himself. Continuity is good but not everyone
else knows what is going on.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Computerization and Other Technology

Comment on the agency’s direction in regards to computer technology, whether the use of
computerization has assisted in the operations of the agency and the service provided to the public.
Comment on specific areas of computerization as necessary.

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Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

New software. TIPS is old and antiquated

What challenges currently face this function?

Computers breakdown. Get new system!

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Special Programs
Consider any special programs in the agency to include DARE, Elder Services, etc. Comment on
what we should be doing, not doing or enhancing.

Effectiveness

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Very Effective Usually Effective Not Effective

The changes I would make to current operations in this area are:

Get more officers involved. Ed doing this by himself.

What challenges currently face this function?

Train back-up to Ed.

What challenges will face this function in the future?

Creating and sustaining new programs without human resources. How about volunteers?

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Lexington Police Department

Police Employee Survey
Directions: Please answer the following questions honestly and accurately. All responses will be
absolutely confidential and will be used for research purposes only.

SECTION 1: THE COMMUNITY

1. Please rate the seriousness of the following crimes and quality of life
issues in Lexington for the last 5 years? (Please check one box for each item)

Very Moderately Slightly Serious Not a Don’t Know

Serious Serious Problem
Residential Burglary &
Business B&E’s
Assaults
Domestic Violence
Unlawful Drug Use
Unsupervised House
Parties
Animal Control Problems
Drinking Groups in Woods
/ Parks
Graffiti
Litter
Unlawful Weapon Use
Loitering
Property Theft
Gangs
Speeding Motor Vehicles
Poor Driving Attitudes
Drunk Driving
Credit Card / Check Fraud
Computer / Internet
Problems
Skateboarding
/Rollerblading in Business
Districts
Vehicle Theft
Harassing / Annoying
Phone Calls
Vandalism
Parking Problems
Solicitors
Bicycles on Sidewalks
Pedestrian Safety
Public Drinking
Unnecessary Noise
Other:

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2. In your opinion, how much have the following factors contributed to crime
rates in Lexington in the last 5 years? (Please check one box for each
subject)

Large Moderate
Slight Influence No Influence Don’t Know
Influence Influence
Courts are too Lenient
Drugs/ Alcohol Abuse
Lack of Alternative Activities
for Youth
Lack of Education
Lack of Jobs / Unemployment
Limited Police Presence
Poor Parenting
Poverty / Low Income
Intolerance of Differences
Based on
Race/Religion/Sexual
Orientation, etc.
Social Programs / Welfare
Over Population
Weapons Availability
Lack of Respect
Affluence

Other:______________

3. How effective are the following in decreasing crime in Lexington? (Please

circle)
Very Somewhat Slightly Not Don’t
Effective Effective Effective At All Know
Stricter Punishments By Courts 1 2 3 4 5
Probation Restrictions Listed and Enforced 1 2 3 4 5
Better Education / Prevention By Police 1 2 3 4 5
Stronger Enforcement at the
Drug Dealer Level
1 2 3 4 5
More Youth Activities / Teen Centers 1 2 3 4 5
Increased Parental Involvement 1 2 3 4 5
Increased Community Group Involvement
(i.e. religious/civic/business)
1 2 3 4 5
Fixed Sector Plans 1 2 3 4 5
Police/Citizen Problem Solving 1 2 3 4 5
Police/Other Agency Partnerships 1 2 3 4 5
Drug Legalization 1 2 3 4 5
Other__________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

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4. In your opinion, compared to other communities in the Boston area, how

safe is Lexington overall?
[ ] Much Safer [ ] Slightly Safer [ ] About the Same [ ] Less Safe [ ] Much Less Safe

5. Compared to other residents of communities surrounding the Boston area,

over the course of the past five (5) years, do you think that Lexington
residents feel:
[ ] Much Safer [ ] Slightly Safer [ ] About the Same [ ] Less Safe [ ] Much Less Safe

6. How serious is the illegal drug problem in the following areas in Lexington?
(Please check one box for each item)
Very Somewhat Slightly Not Don’t
Serious Serious Serious Serious Know
High School
Middle Schools
Elementary Schools
Playgrounds and
Recreation Areas
Within the Adult
Community

SECTION II: THE DEPARTMENT

7. How would you rate your current morale (job motivation) level?
[ ] Very High [ ] Somewhat High [ ] Neutral [ ] Somewhat Low [ ] Very Low

8. In your opinion, how effective is the department in doing the following

things?

Very Somewhat Slightly Not

Effective Effective Effective At All
Responding to Employee Ideas and Suggestions 1 2 3 4
Listening to Employee Ideas and Suggestions 1 2 3 4
Communicating Important Information Through
1 2 3 4
Appropriate Channels
Treating Employees Fairly & Consistently 1 2 3 4
Recognizing the Need to Improve Working
1 2 3 4
Conditions
Praising Employees for Work Well Done 1 2 3 4
Providing Constructive Criticism for Work Not So
1 2 3 4
Well Done
Providing Appropriate Training 1 2 3 4
Providing Informative and Helpful Work Evaluations 1 2 3 4
Involving Employees in Decisions That Impact Them 1 2 3 4
Involving Employees in Research and Planning 1 2 3 4
Promoting Our Work Plan and Product to the Public 1 2 3 4

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9. How important is it to you that the department strives to accomplish the

following goals in the next few years? (Please circle)

Very Somewhat Slightly Not

Important Important Important At All
Technology Improvements 1 2 3 4
Increase Support Staff 1 2 3 4
Increase Number of Sworn Officers 1 2 3 4
Increase Racial/Ethnic/Gender
1 2 3 4
Diversity within the Dept.
Increase Community Partnerships 1 2 3 4
Broaden and Enhance Current
1 2 3 4
Training Offerings
Improve the FTO Program 1 2 3 4
Pursue a Departmental Statement of
1 2 3 4
Vision and Purpose
Solicitation of Community Input on
1 2 3 4
Police Operations
Review and Rate Training Programs
1 2 3 4
for Effectiveness and Applicability
Improve Personnel Evaluations
1 2 3 4
Procedures
Increase Pay / Benefits 1 2 3 4
Develop positive Working
1 2 3 4
Relationships with Each Other
Work Towards State Accreditation 1 2 3 4
Provide Crime Prevention Services 1 2 3 4
Provide Family Services for the
1 2 3 4
Community
Provide Youth Services for the
1 2 3 4
Community
Augment Enforcement Efforts with
Training/Education/Prevention 1 2 3 4
Programs

10. If you are a sworn officer, during the course of an average work week, how
many hours do you spend engaged in preventative police work (i.e. making
informal contacts with residents/kids, identifying potential problems and
attempting to address them, voluntary “park, lock & walks” ...)?

[ ]0 [ ] 1-3 [ ] 4-6 [ ] 7-9 [ ] 10-15 [ ] 16-20 [ ] over 20

[ ] not applicable

11. How supportive are the Lexington residents of the police department?
[ ] Very Supportive [ ] Moderately Supportive
[ ] Not Very Supportive [ ] Not At All Supportive

12. How do you like the new uniforms for the Lexington Police Officers?
[ ] Very Much [ ] Somewhat [ ] Not Much [ ] Not at all

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13. Please rate the following statements with regards to Lexington:

Strongly Strongly
Agree Disagree
Agree Disagree
The current level of accountability that
everyone is held to within the 1 2 3 4
department is acceptable.
If we are asked to address more
“quality of life” issues it will detract 1 2 3 4
from our ability to fight serious crime.
An Officer assigned to a fixed area
with discretion and ability for crime
1 2 3 4
prevention and problem solving is
advantageous.
Officers are more effective if they
“look beyond the call” to get to the 1 2 3 4
root of the problem.
Communications between officers on
different shifts and support services is 1 2 3 4
adequate.
Police employees consistently provide
quality service and product to our 1 2 3 4
“customers”.
Officers should be expected to initiate
activity during shifts rather than await 1 2 3 4
assignments and calls.

14. Which of the following trainings would you like to see implemented or
expanded? (Please check all that apply)
[ ] Computer / Software Use [ ] Current Law Changes & Effects
[ ] Interpersonal Communications [ ] Frequency of Qualifications (Updates)
[ ] Physical Fitness [ ] Defense Tactics / Custody
[ ] Tactical Operations [ ] Supervisory / Management Training
[ ] Investigative Skills [ ] Foreign Languages
[ ] Firearm Use / Improve Range [ ] Crime Analysis
[ ] Trial Court Skills [ ] EMT / Medical
[ ] Other_____________________________________________________________

15. What do you think are the current policing priorities of this Department?
(Please rank the TOP THREE - # 1, 2, 3 - “1” being the most important)
_____Responding to Emergency Calls ____Public Order Maintenance
_____Service Calls and Assistance ____Drug & Alcohol Enforcement
_____Promoting Police-Community ____Encouraging Voluntary Compliance
Partnerships & Collaborations of Laws & Regulations
_____Crime Prevention ____Education
_____Traffic Regulations & Enforcement ____Problem Solving
_____Other____________________________________________________________

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16. Please rank the top five (5) activities from the list below that you think
SHOULD BE the focus of the Department’s current Community Policing
strategy? (Please rank 1-5, “1” being the most important)
_____Increase the level of involvement by neighborhood residents.
_____Increase police presence in the neighborhood.
_____Increase level of collaboration with other town departments or agencies.
_____Focus on more nuisance and minor crime related problems.
_____Improve communication among police personnel.
_____Increase ability of officers to use the latest technology.
_____Increase ability to analyze crime problems as well as quality of life and
evaluate the strategies used to address them.
_____Increase level of collaboration with area businesses.
_____Identification of at-risk individuals.
_____Other___________________________________________________________

17. Currently, what shift do you work?`

[ ] Days [ ] Nights [ ] 3-11 Fixed Shift

18. What is your Current Position?

[ ] Patrol Officer [ ] Bureau Officer [ ] Cadet
[ ] Dispatcher [ ] Capt./Chief [ ] Support Staff
[ ] Sgt./Lt.

19. How long have you been a Lexington Police Employee?

[ ] Less than 1 year [ ] 1-5 years [ ] 6-10 years
[ ] 11-15 years [ ] 16-20 years [ ] over 20 years

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20. Please rate the following programs in terms of their effectiveness and/or
usefulness in Lexington?

Very Somewhat Slightly Not Don’t

Effective Effective Effective At All Know
D.A.R.E Program 1 2 3 4 5
Bike Patrol 1 2 3 4 5
Police Resource Officer Assigned Full-
1 2 3 4 5
Time at Schools
Domestic Violence Response Advocate 1 2 3 4 5
Family Services Program 1 2 3 4 5
Full-Time Center Officer Position 1 2 3 4 5
Web Page 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic Enforcement 1 2 3 4 5
Dedicated Parking Enforcement Officer 1 2 3 4 5
E911 Combined Dispatch Center 1 2 3 4 5
LPD Facility Access 1 2 3 4 5
Peer Leadership Programs in Schools 1 2 3 4 5
Citizen Police Academy 1 2 3 4 5
Alzheimer Registration 1 2 3 4 5
Youth-at-Risk Intervention Program 1 2 3 4 5
Alcohol/Tobacco Sale Compliance
1 2 3 4 5
Checks
Juvenile Diversion Program for 1st Time
1 2 3 4 5
Offenders
Greater Boston Drug Task Force 1 2 3 4 5
Police Accreditation Program 1 2 3 4 5
Police Cadet Program 1 2 3 4 5
“Directed Patrol” to High Incident
1 2 3 4 5
Areas
False Burglar Alarm Bylaw Enforcement 1 2 3 4 5
All-Night Winter Parking Enforcement 1 2 3 4 5
Trading Card Program 1 2 3 4 5
Long Term Assignment of Patrol
Officers to a Single Area of Town Rather 1 2 3 4 5
Than Random Assignments
Future Programs
Skateboard / Rollerblade Park 1 2 3 4 5
Youth drop-In Center 1 2 3 4 5

SECTION III: YOUR COMMENTS

Please feel free to use as much space or additional paper as necessary.

The thing I like best about working for the Lexington Police Department is:

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The thing I would most like to see improved at the Lexington Police
Department is:

Please list the most significant values or characteristics that a Lexington Police
Officer should possess.

The thing I would most like to see from Lexington residents is:

Other Comments or Expansion of Previous Answers:

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Lexington Police Department

Public Safety Survey
Directions: Please answer the following questions to the best of your
knowledge. All of your responses will be absolutely confidential.

Section I: Your Community

1. Please rate the seriousness of the following crimes and quality of life issues in Lexington for
the
past 5 years. (Check only one box for each item)
Very Moderately Slightly Not a Don’t Know
Serious Serious Serious Problem
Burglary/House break ins
Assaults
Domestic Violence
Unlawful drug use
Unsupervised house parties
Animal control problems
Drinking groups in woods/parks
Graffiti
Litter
Unlawful weapon use
Loitering
Property theft
Organized gangs
Speeding motor vehicles
Poor driving attitudes
Drunk driving
Credit card/check fraud
Computer/Internet problems
Skateboarding/Rollerblading in
business districts
Vehicle theft
Harassing/Annoying phone calls
Vandalism
Parking problems
Solicitors
Bicycles on sidewalks
Pedestrian safety
Public drinking
Unnecessary noise
Other:

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2. Have you ever been the victim of a crime in Lexington? [ ] No [ ] Yes

3. Have you ever been the victim of a crime outside Lexington? [ ] No [ ] Yes

4. In Lexington, have you ever: (Check all that apply)

[ ] Stopped to ask an officer advice or directions

[ ] Stopped to talk to a police officer about a community issue
[ ] Called the police station to discuss a community issue
[ ] Been involved in a traffic accident which required police intervention
[ ] Been involved in a police/community outreach program (ex. DARE, Bicycle Safety)
[ ] Been stopped for a traffic offense
[ ] Been questioned by the police and released (other than for a traffic offense)
[ ] Reported a crime
[ ] Been arrested
[ ] Filed a formal complaint against a Lexington Police Officer/Department

5. In your opinion how much have the following factors contributed to the crime rate in
Lexington over the past 5 years? (Check only one box for each subject)

Large Moderate Slight No Don’t

Influence Influence Influence Influence Know
Courts are too lenient
Drug/alcohol abuse
Lack of alternative activities for youth
Lack of education
Lack of jobs/employment
Limited police presence
Poor parenting
Poverty/low income
Intolerance of differences based on
race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
Social programs/welfare
Over population
Availability of weapons
Lack of respect
Affluence
Other:

6. Does your neighborhood have a citizen crime watch group? [ ] No [ ] Yes

If no, would you participate in a crime watch group? [ ] No [ ] Yes

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7. What kind of security do you use at home? (Check all that apply--this survey is anonymous)
[ ] alarm system[ ] sensor lights [ ] standard door & window locks [ ] window grills
[ ] dead bolt locks [ ] anti-open devices in windows [ ] dog
[ ] exterior/interior burglar bars [ ] do not secure home

8. In your opinion, how likely is it that you will be the victim of a property crime in Lexington
over the next 5 years?

[ ] highly likely [ ] moderately likely [ ] slightly likely [ ] not at all likely

9. In your opinion, how likely is it that you will be the victim of a violent crime in Lexington over
the next 5 years?

[ ] highly likely [ ] moderately likely [ ] slightly likely [ ] not at all likely

10. How much time do you spend actively participating in the community (community-based
programs, committees, boards, etc.) each month?

[ ] 1-7 hrs [ ] 8-12 hrs [ ] 13-20 hrs [ ] 21+ hrs [ ] don’t participate

11. In your opinion, compared to other communities in the Boston area, how safe is Lexington
overall?

[ ] much safer [ ]slightly safer [ ] about the same

[ ] less safe [ ] much less safe

12. What do you believe about the prevalence of crime in Lexington?

(Please check only one category)
[ ] Crime has increased in Lexington over the last five years.
[ ] Crime has remained the same in Lexington over the last five years.
[ ] Crime has decreased in Lexington over the last five years.
[ ] Don’t know.

13. Please check one response for each statement:

Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Don’t Know

Agree Disagree
I feel safe at home
I feel safe walking alone in my
neighborhood after dark
I feel safe walking with others after dark in
my neighborhood
I feel that my personal property is safe when
I leave home
When returning home at night, I feel safe
I feel safe leaving my home/car unlocked
during the day in Lexington
I feel safe with others on the Minuteman
Bikeway
I feel safe alone on the Minuteman Bikeway

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Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Don’t Know

Agree Disagree
I feel safe walking alone in Lexington’s
shopping districts at night
I feel safe walking with others in Lexington’s
shopping districts at night
I feel safe alone in parks and recreation areas
in Lexington
I feel safe with others in parks and recreation
areas in Lexington

14. How serious is the illegal drug problem in the following areas in Lexington?
(Please check one box for each item)

Very Somewhat Slightly Not Serious Don’t Know

Serious Serious Serious
High Schools
Middle Schools
Elementary Schools
Playgrounds & recreation areas
Within the adult community

Section II: The Department

15. Please respond whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:
(Please check one box for each item)

Strongly Agree No Disagree Strongly

Agree Opinion Disagree
The police presence in my neighborhood is
appropriate for the need
Traffic enforcement in Lexington meets the
needs of the community
The Police Department gives proper attention to
minor crimes (i.e. vandalism, disturbances, etc.)
The Police Department is providing appropriate
community education and outreach programs
Efforts of the Police Department to enforce the
law are compatible with community needs
Lexington police officers perform an appropriate
amount of patrolling on foot in Lexington
Center
There is an appropriate representation of female
officers in the Lexington Police Department
The Police Department responds to emergency
calls in a timely manner
Lexington police officers treat people with
respect

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Strongly Agree No Disagree Strongly

Agree Opinion Disagree
Lexington police officers respect the rights of
individuals and treat people fairly
Telephone calls to the Lexington police station
are handled professionally and courteously
A formal complaint brought against a Lexington
police officer will receive a fair, objective and
timely response
The Lexington Police Department solicits and
welcomes community input
Lexington police officers are respected by the
community
The Lexington Police Department has a good
public image
The Lexington Police Department does its job
well
Lexington police officers look professional in
appearance
Police information provided in local newspaper
is useful
Lexington police officers provide timely and
useful information to persons reporting crimes
The Lexington Police Department publicizes its
services and programs adequately (see question 16
on next page)

16. How effective do you believe the following Lexington Police & Community programs are on
the crime problem and quality of life issues? (Please check only one box for each)

Very Somewhat Slightly Not Don’t

Effective Effective Effective At All Know
D.A.R.E. program
Bike Patrol
Police resource officer assigned full-time at
the high school
Domestic violence response advocate
Family services program
Full-time center officer
Web Page
Traffic Enforcement
Dedicated Parking Enforcement Officer
E911 Combined Dispatch Center
LPD Facility Access
Peer leadership program in schools
Citizen police academy
Alzheimer registration

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Very Somewhat Slightly Not Don’t

Effective Effective Effective At All Know
Youth-at-risk intervention program
Alcohol/tobacco sale compliance checks
Juvenile diversion program for first time
criminal offenders
Greater Boston drug task force
Police accreditation program
Police Cadet program
“Directed patrol” to high incident areas
False burglar alarm bylaw enforcement
All-night winter parking enforcement
Trading card program
Long Term assignments of Patrol Officers
to a single area of town rather than random
assignments
Future Programs:
Skateboard/rollerblade park
Youth drop-in center

Section III: Demographic Information

17. How long have you lived in Lexington?

[ ] less than one year [ ] 1-3 years [ ] 4-10 years [ ] 11-20 years [ ] 21+ years

18. How old are you?

[ ] 18-24 [ ] 25-34 [ ] 35-44

[ ] 45-54 [ ] 55-64 [ ] 65 or older

19. How many people are in your household?

[ ] 1 person [ ] 2-3 people [ ] 4-5 people [ ] 6+ people

20. Do you have any children under the age of 21 living in your household? [ ] No [ ] Yes
If yes, please list their ages here: ___________________________

21. Do you own or rent your home? [ ] Own [ ] Rent [ ] Other ________________

22. Average household yearly income before taxes?

[ ] under $30,000 [ ] $30,000-59,000 [ ] $60,000-89,999 [ ] $90,000-119,999 [ ] $120,000+

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23. What is your current employment status? (Please check only one box)
[ ] Employed [ ] Unemployed [ ] Student
[ ] Self-employed [ ] Disabled [ ] House wife/husband
[ ] Retired [ ] Other

24. What is your race?

[ ] Caucasian [ ] African-American [ ] Asian [ ] Hispanic [ ] Other _____________

25. Do you or anyone in the household own any firearms for sport or protection against crime?
[ ] Yes, Sport [ ] Yes, Both [ ] Choose not to answer
[ ] Yes, Protection against crime [ ] No, Neither

Section IV: Your Comments

Please feel free to use as much space or additional pages as necessary.

The thing I like best about the Lexington Police Department is:

The thing I would most like to see improved at the Lexington Police Department is:

Please list the most significant values or characteristics that a Lexington Police Officer
should possess.

Other comments or expansion of previous answers (use reverse side of page if more
space is needed):

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20
0003 Community Satisfaction Survey
Town of Geddes Police Department
Sex: Male or Female (Circle One)

Age: 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 +65 (Circle One)

1. Do you feel that the Town of Geddes Police Department is visible to the public?
Yes No NA

2. Do you feel the Town of Geddes Police Officers act professionally?

Yes No NA

3. How would you rate the competency of the Town of Geddes Police Officers?
Very Low Low Average High Very High NA

4. How satisfied are you with the courtesy of the officers?

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied NA

5. How satisfied are you with the appearance of the officers?

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied NA

6. How safe do you feel walking alone in your neighborhood at night?

Very Unsafe Unsafe Neutral Safe Very Safe NA

7. How safe do you feel in your home?

Very Unsafe Unsafe Neutral Safe Very Safe NA

8. Is the police presence adequate in your neighborhood?

Yes No NA

9. Is the traffic enforcement adequate in Geddes?

Yes No NA

10. Have you ever been a victim of a crime in the Town of Geddes?
Yes No NA

11. What do you like best about the Police Department?

________________________________________________________________ NA

12. How would you improve the Police Department?

________________________________________________________________ NA

13. How do you feel the Geddes Police Department has changed over the past four years?
Much Worse Worse Same Improved Much Improved Didn’t live here NA

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