The Regina Police Service has released the report of the findings of the most recent “Community Perceptions of the Regina Police Survey, 2023” survey, carried out in Regina last fall. To maintain objectivity and reduce bias, the survey was designed by Dr. Nicholas A. Jones and Dr. Adam Vaughn of the University of Regina, Department of Justice Studies. The telephone survey of 454 Regina residents was conducted by Prairie Research Associates from September 6 to September 29, 2023.
The results of the 2023 community survey show “an increase in public trust and confidence, perception of overall quality of service, and satisfaction with the police since the first City of Regina surveys were carried out between 2005 and 2009”. The survey also highlights areas where members of the public feel there can be improvements. In addition to the basic demographic information collected from respondents, the survey solicited responses about the following issues:
- Public Information and Social Media
- Police Visibility and Presence
- Perceptions of Trust/Confidence
- Perceptions of Contact (Responsiveness)
- Perceptions of Fear of Crime
- Perceptions of the RPS Quality of Service
- Perceptions of the RPS Aerial Support Unit
The following are some key findings:
- Almost three-quarters (72%) of the respondents in the 2023 survey agree or strongly agree that the RPS provides them with adequate information about public safety.
- The 2023 respondents show increased support for every question regarding trust and confidence in the RPS compared to the 2021 results.
- Over three quarters (77.2%) of those who had contact with the RPS agreed they were satisfied with the service they received.
- The majority of participants (57%) reported that crime levels in “their neighbourhood” have stayed the same over the past two years. However, those who perceive that crime levels in in their neighbourhood have increased in the past two years grew by approximately 10% from 2021 to 2023.
- Approximately 78% of participants rated the overall quality of service received from the RPS as “very good” (4) or “excellent” (5) up 6.1% from the 2021 results.
- A series of questions were added to the 2023 survey about the RPS Aeriel Support Unit (ASU). Results show that almost two-thirds (63.4%) of participants were aware of the ASU’s operations. Participants also provided high rates of support ASU policing activities (e.g., searching for missing persons).
- In general, Visible Minority survey participants reported more positive perceptions of the RPS than did Caucasian and Indigenous respondents
Generally speaking, the survey reveals the Regina Police Service enjoys positive public perceptions about its work and presence in the community; however, Chief Sheikh highlights the importance of feedback from respondents: “All feedback is greatly appreciated. It’s important to know both where the public is satisfied, and where we can grow and improve. Expect us to strive for better. Thank you to all respondents for your honesty and willingness to engage in the Community Perceptions survey.”
The entire survey report (and previous Community Perception surveys) can be found at: http://reginapolice.ca/community-perception-survey/
