The results of the 2025 Community Perceptions of the Regina Police Service survey, carried out in Regina last fall are now available.
The results indicate “a high level of community trust and confidence in the RPS. Despite evolving societal challenges, public perception remains largely positive and stable when compared to 2023.”
Key findings and trends include:
- Overall trust remains elevated, with 65–85% of respondents consistently agreeing or strongly agreeing with positive statements regarding trust and confidence in the Regina Police Service (professionalism, integrity and confidence in emergency response)
- The quality of service is rated highly, with an average score of 3.8/5. Interactions with RPS staff -both sworn officers and civilian employees – received a satisfaction score of 3.95/5, driven by perceptions of professionalism, fairness, and respect.
- Approximately two thirds of residents perceive the RPS as a visible presence in their community, a result consistent with previous years.
- While there was a slight decline in overall feelings of safety compared to 2023, the change is within the margin of error and remains favourable compared to trends in other major Western Canadian cities. The feelings varied by district and demographic group. Residents in the South District reported higher levels of perceived safety, while Central District residents reported lower feelings of safety and more frequent police contact. Indigenous respondents reported lower perceptions of safety, while Visible Minority respondents reported higher perceptions of police visibility and safety.
- The survey also found strong community connectedness among residents, with more than 80% reporting trust in their neighbours and a belief that people in their community help one another. This sense of social cohesion was associated with higher levels of trust and confidence in the police.
- Respondents viewed Alternative Response Officers as an appropriate alternative to sworn officers for certain downtown calls, contributing positively to RPS presence and perceived safety.
The survey also highlights areas where members of the public feel there can be improvements.
- Increased Visibility: Focusing more on high-crime areas and community policing.
- Specialized Interactions: Improving engagement with youth, diverse communities and individuals experiencing mental illness.
- Communication: Strengthening the relationship and dialogue between the RPS and the community.
To maintain objectivity and reduce bias, the survey was designed by Dr. Leslie-Anne Keown, Dr. Adam D. Vaughan and Dr. Nicholas A. Jones with the Department of Justice Studies at the University of Regina. The random telephone survey of 465 Regina residents was conducted by Prairie Research Associates based in Winnipeg, MB from September 2, 2025 to September 29, 2025.
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 Alternative Response Officers
The entire survey (and previous Community Perception surveys) can be found at: https://www.reginapolice.ca/community-perception-survey/
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