45% of Chernihiv residents trust the local police – survey results

On February 20, 2017, the results of the survey “Assessment of the opinion of the community of Chernihiv on the activities of the local police” were presented, which was conducted by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights in order to determine and form priorities for the protection of public order in the city of Chernihiv.

During December 2016 – January 2017, volunteers surveyed 1,100 residents of Chernihiv using a special questionnaire.

Kateryna Dankova, head of programs at the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, spoke about the main trends in assessing the opinion of Chernihiv residents on the activities of local police officers.

Trust

A total of 45% of respondents trust the local police completely or mostly. 44% expressed distrust, and 11% were undecided. Among the factors affecting the level of distrust, Chernihiv residents indicated low awareness of citizens about police activities, in particular, about solved crimes or successes in preventing them. 20% of respondents expressed confidence that they would be helped if necessary.

Feeling of safety

The majority of surveyed citizens feel safe – 54%. At the same time, the opposite indicator is high – 37%. Respondents noted that it becomes more dangerous in the dark. According to citizens, certain areas of the city need more police attention and increased patrolling, in particular, in the Sherstyanka neighborhood. Abandoned buildings and structures, pedestrian crossings, parks and squares are considered dangerous.

Overall assessment

41% of Chernihiv residents surveyed are mostly satisfied with the work of the local police, and 9% are completely satisfied. Respondents noted that positive changes have occurred after the start of the patrol police. Citizens noted such an important factor as the cooperation of the police with the community and public organizations in conducting various educational events and projects, which has a positive effect on the level of mutual trust and the desire for cooperation.

Priorities for the police – the opinion of citizens

The survey revealed the priorities that Chernihiv residents attach the highest importance to in improving the activities of the local police. These are, first of all, increasing the detection of crimes (31% of respondents); increasing patrols (20%); conducting preventive measures (21%); involving the community in cooperation (14%).

Willingness to cooperate

The majority of respondents (64%) are convinced that the community should help the police in ensuring public order in the city. Among the possible forms of such cooperation, Chernihiv residents chose joint patrols (27%), joint educational events (28%), and meetings with citizens at their place of residence (15%). At the same time, a large proportion of surveyed citizens (36%) believe that the police should independently cope with their duties.

In conclusion,

Kateryna Dankova

noted that such surveys are carried out not only to monitor the dynamics and directions of changes that can become the basis for the introduction of effective Community Policing models. But also to increase the level of trust of citizens in the police, to involve them in cooperation and to understand that they should also act to improve the security situation in their community. This is aimed not only at the survey, but also at various other activities conducted by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights. “Citizens should realize that the level of security in the city and community where they live also depends on them,” the survey coordinator emphasized.

A similar survey was conducted among employees of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernihiv region and the Patrol Police Department in the city of Chernihiv. A total of 200 police officers were interviewed. As reported

Kateryna Dankova,

the answers of law enforcement officers in general do not differ much from the opinions expressed by citizens.

How does the police themselves assess the research of their activities?

At least, the head of the communication sector of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Chernihiv region

Serhiy Bryl

generally assessed the results of a recent survey as positive. He emphasized that in accordance with the legislation, only specially designated institutions have the right to conduct public opinion surveys.

“The results of a survey conducted by a public organization can be discussed and debated regarding the objectivity or subjectivity of opinions. But there are numbers, and they are positive,” he noted.

According to the head of the communications sector of the National Police Headquarters in the region, the most important criterion for the effectiveness of the police is the level of trust in it by citizens: “It is stated and written in the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police”, Article 11, that one of the main principles of police activity is interaction with the population on the basis of partnership.”

According to

Serhiy Bryl

, the level of trust among 45% of the surveyed Chernihiv residents is a fairly high indicator. As are 54% of respondents who feel safe. Particularly pleasing is the large proportion of respondents – 74% – who answered that they see real changes in the activities of the city police. And 64% expressed a desire to help the police in ensuring public order and other measures. Mr. Bryl confirmed the results of the survey with statistical data that showed real changes in the security situation in Chernihiv.

So, compared to 2015, in 2016, 962 fewer crimes were committed, that is, by 18.5%; such types of crimes as murders decreased by 50%; serious bodily harm by 52.9%; robberies and assaults decreased by 35% and 37%, respectively. He also expressed the wish that a similar study be carried out in the region in order to see the full picture of how much the community of the entire region trusts its police.

The full results of the survey of residents of the city of Chernihiv on trust in the local police can be found here .

Results of the survey of employees of the Patrol Police Department of Chernihiv and the Main Police Department in Chernihiv region – .

For reference.



The survey “Assessment of the opinion of the community of Chernihiv on the activities of the local police” was carried out by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights as part of the project “Safe City – Chernihiv Police, Focused on the Community” with the support of the Program Initiative “Human Rights and Justice” of the International Renaissance Foundation. 1,100 residents of Chernihiv took part in the survey, which was conducted during December 2016 – January 2017. In addition, a survey was also conducted among police officers, in which 200 police officers took part.