Survey summary 2018
HMICFRS commissioned BMG Research to undertake a large-scale survey of the public to assess current perceptions of the police. The study consisted of 17,043 surveys with members of the public. The majority were conducted via online panels, with a small number conducted-face-to-face.
This report sets out the results of the fourth survey into public views of policing in England and Wales. These results have also been summarised below.
Get the full report on BMG Research’s website
Public perceptions of policing in England and Wales 2018
This report builds on three years of public surveys commissioned by HMICFRS and carried out by Ipsos MORI:
- Public views of policing in England and Wales 2015/16
- Public views of policing in England and Wales 2016/17
- Public views of policing in England and Wales 2017/18
In 2018 we asked about:
- Overall satisfaction with local police force
- Police visibility
- Crime
- Public confidence in police
- Police conduct
- Top types of crime respondents think police should prioritise
Overall satisfaction with local police force
61% of respondents are satisfied with their local police force. This is an increase from 2017, when it was 53%.
Note: this question was asked a little differently in 2017, which could have affected the results.
Police visibility
| Respondents who… | On foot | In vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Think seeing police in local area is important | 78% | 77% |
| Have seen police in local area at least once every 3 months | 44% | 59% |
| Have not seen police in the last year | 36% | 20% |
| Are satisfied with the frequency of visibility | 24% | 30% |
As can be seen in the table above, in 2018 44% reported seeing police on foot in their local area at least once every 3 months. In 2017 this figure was 29%.
Crime
The proportion who feel crime and anti-social behaviour is a problem in their local area was 40% in 2018. In 2015 it was 25%.
81% of respondents say they think online crime is a big problem.
The proportion who feel confident in the local police’s ability to deal effectively with online crime is 34%.
Public confidence in police
| Statement | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Effective in dealing with an emergency | 74% | 71% |
| Effective in responding to an emergency in a timely manner | 65% | N/A |
| Easy to access/speak to for help in an emergency | 63% – This is a significant change compared to 2017 | 73% |
| Effective in providing protection during a terrorist incident | 57% | 55% |
| Statement | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Discreet in using information/intelligence provided by the public | 65% | N/A |
| Effective in dealing with a request for advice or information | 61% | 57% |
| Effective in using information/intelligence provided by the public | 61% | N/A |
| Effective in dealing with a non-emergency | 52% – This is a significant change compared to 2017 | 47% |
Police conduct
65% of respondents agree that police in their local area treat people fairly and with respect.
42% believe Stop and Search is used appropriately but 29% don’t know.
Top types of crime respondents think police should prioritise
49% Terrorism/extremism
46% Child sexual exploitation/abuse
41% Violent crime/crime against the person
37% Rape and other sexual offences
34% Serious and organised crime
18% Burglary/theft/stealing
The results from the public perceptions of policing survey inform HMICFRS’s inspections. More information about the methodology is available on our website.