Victoria Police is embarking on a major effort to learn what the community want from them.
The Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey – now in its third year – launched this month and is open until midnight on May 31.
More than 1600 people completed the survey on its first day.
It’s aimed at ensuring the force remains agile, responsive and visible in addressing local needs.
People of all backgrounds who live, work or socialise in Victoria are encouraged take part.
Respondents are asked about their local community safety concerns, recent interactions and engagement preferences with police and what more the force can do to improve community safety.
The results will be used as part of Victoria Police’s back-to-basics Neighbourhood Policing initiative to help police develop local responses to key community safety issues.
When issues are more complex police work with local councils, community groups and government agencies.
About 11,000 people completed last year’s survey which showed safety in public spaces ranked as the top safety concern for a second successive year.
Safety of people’s property and possessions, road safety and drugs and alcohol also rated strongly in the results.
The Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey is completely anonymous and only takes a few minutes.
Service delivery and transformation command Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said the more people that answer the survey, the more help police can give in response.
“The survey lies at the heart of Victoria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing initiative, which is about listening to and understanding community needs before working with our partners to develop local solutions,” he said.
“It provides Victorians with an opportunity to be part of our local decision-making processes, targeting the drivers of crime and key community safety concerns.
“We want to hear from Victorians of all backgrounds. The more people who take part, the clearer picture we will have.”
Police are sharing updates on their progress through local Eyewatch pages.
Survey: https://engage.vic.gov.au/vicpol-2024
