DELTA Police on Wednesday released the results of a public survey held over three weeks in late November and early December 2018. Approximately 280 people throughout Delta responded to the survey, which provided a statistically relevant sample size, and they provided a total of 312 comments on a wide range of topics.

Respondents were asked questions about the importance and performance of key police services, as well as whether they had contact with the Delta Police Department, and on future issues impacting Delta. 

Survey respondents thought the DPD did well in:

• Delivering urgent services in a timely manner,
• Dealing with violent crime,
• Clear and transparent communication through strong social media programs, and
• Consulting with the community to ensure the DPD is meeting their needs and expectations.

“The survey gave us a chance to assess how we’re doing in the first six months of our Community Safety Plan, working to build safe communities and relationships. And it helps us assess our capacity to deliver on people’s expectations,” said Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord. “I’m very pleased that 74% of residents give a good to very good rating of officers they had contact with, and 80% of people feel we do a good to very good job of delivering urgent services in a timely manner, well above the Canadian average.”

In looking for areas where Delta Police can improve, the top issues for the public are:

• Traffic-related matters, including safety and flow,
• The prevention and detection of property crime,
• Visible presence in all parts of our community, and
• Prevention and investigation of intimate partner violence.
  

“Another thing that stood out for me in the survey results, is that of those impacted by crime, 22% of Delta residents indicated they did not report the crime to police, versus the national average of 31%,” said Dubord. “Since our motto is ‘No Call Too Small’ I am encouraged this is making a demonstrable difference.”

The survey also highlighted some interesting distinctions between Delta’s three main communities. For example, Tsawwassen residents were the most concerned about traffic issues, while population growth and an increase in younger adults stood out as an issue in upper North Delta. 

“Now that the survey is concluded, the public is probably wondering what’s next. We’re constantly striving to improve our services to the public through techniques such as this survey, through general feedback and social media dialogue,” said Dubord. “So to answer what’s next, we’re looking at increased traffic enforcement, ways to improve police visibility in our communities and ensuring we have the right training and focus to address issues such as property crime, scams and frauds, youth at risk and domestic violence.”