Survey Shows Dedham Residents Concerned With Illegal Drugs

The following survey details were released by the Dedham Police Department on Tuesday on their Facebook Page:

During February and March of 2013, the Dedham Police Department  conducted a survey seeking citizen input related to police services in the community. The Department would like to thank those that participated. Citizen input is greatly appreciated and important in directing programs and activities of the Police Department. Community members and the Police Department along with other departments and agencies must work together to ensure public safety and improve the quality of life experienced by our citizens. Below, please find a summary of the survey results. A separate traffic related analysis was also completed and is available as a separate  document.

517 survey responses (474 complete responses)

An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated:

Have interacted with a Dedham Police Officer within the prior 2 years (76%);

Experienced a positive interaction (91%);

Citizen concerns were adequately addressed (90%).

Response times were within expectations or sooner (94%)

Officers exhibit appropriate knowledge (91%)

Officers keep citizens informed of actions being taken (86%)

Top crime related concerns of respondents (concerned + very concerned responses):

- Illegal Drugs (68%)

- School safety (68%)

- Child safety in neighborhoods (66%)

- Burglary (65%)

Desired resource focus:

Most desired:

1. Identifying illegal drug dealers (57%)

2. Registered sex offender tracking (39%)

3. Crime prevention (37%)

4. Neighborhood patrols (28%)

5. Motor vehicle enforcement (26%)

Least desired:

1. Police athletic league (33%)

2. Mountain bike patrol (26%)

3. Internet crimes (26%)

4. Neighborhood meetings (24%)

5. Monitoring areas youth tend to loiter (23%)

For full survey results, click HERE.