EP Police Get High Marks From Citizens

The East Providence Police received the results of a police community relations evaluation, recently completed by Salve Regina University. Police Chief Christopher Parella released the survey results before the council meeting of January 19, 2016. "Through the Rhode Island police association we participated in this survey. Salve Regina University conducts these surveys and they asked for volunteers. So we offered to get involved. We wanted to know our proficiency and what we need to improve in," said the police chief. "This is something we'll be required to do every few years eventually so we decided to start now. We want to hear from the residents of our city how they see the police department."

Professor Robert S. Nutt of Salve Regina supervised and designed a questionnaire with help from Lt. James Nelson of the East Providence Police and Salve law enforcement students. The vision statement included "creating and maintaining a pro-active partnership with our residential and business communities in an effort to enhance public safety and reduce the fear and incidence of crime within the City of East Providence." The rest of the mission statement said, "the police department's primary objective is to improve the quality of life in our City by identifying and addressing public safety and community concerns. The police department recognizes the importance of working with the community at large to develop programs to meet this objective and is committed to accomplishing its mission in a professional manner that promotes respect and dignity of all people."

The police department received mostly good grades from respondents who seemed pleased with police services. There was some concern however with residents in two areas - "walking in their neighborhoods at night, with a higher concern for doing so in the Riverside section."

The report hopes to help maintain and create pro-active relationships, enhance public safety and reduce fear and to improve the quality of life. It sees a development of programs to meet citizens needs and accomplish this in a "professional manner that promotes respect and dignity of all people."

Department Facts and Figures:

•There are 97 sworn police officers in the department

•This consists of 3 organizational components: Patrol Division - 55 officers; Detective Division - 17 officers; Services Division - 9 members. There are also 18 civilian employees (12 dispatchers and 6 clerks).

Questions were designed to evaluate all aspects of the East Providence Police Department. There were 5,000 randomly selected recipients. 380 questionnaires were returned within time limit which resulted in a return rate of 8%, which is considered an adequate sample based on population. Questions mirrored the goal of the survey and interviews were conducted at the East Providence Senior Center and by telephone.

East Providence Household Demographics:

47,331 residents

20,235 households

Average household size 2.29 individuals

82.2% Caucasian

4.1% Hispanic or Latino

5.8% African American

4.2% Two or more races

1.5% Asian

0.5% Native American

Rent/Own

88% of the respondents own their home

9% of the respondents rent

3% of the respondents did not answer

Years lived in East Providence

79% more than ten yea rs

14% from three to ten years

2% six months to two yea rs

2% less than six months.

3% of the respondents did not answer

Gender

40 % male respondents

56% female respondents

4% of the respondents did not answer

Children residing in Home

69% surveyed did not have children living at home

26 % did have children residing in their home

5% of the respondents did not answer

Age of Respondents:

1% Between 15 and 24 years

2% Between 25 and 35 Years

13% Between 36 and 49 Years

78% Between 50 + Years

6% of respondents did not answer

The proficiency of the sworn officers and staff of the EPPD was reflected in an overall 89% approval rating. This category ranged in positive ratings from eighty percent (88%} positive "Helpful", to ninety percent (90%} positive ratings in the characteristic of "Knowledgeable". Research in the comments section of the surveys revealed that one East Providence citizen even stated that "the knowledge and integrity and professionalism of this department exceeds beyond expectations. It should be noted that the emphasis that is placed on in service training for the department is reflected in these positive ratings.

A total of 357 citizens responded to the question regarding contact with the E P PD, while 21 did not. Of the 379 respondents, 201 or 53% reported that they had contact with the E PP D in the last three years. 156 or 41% reported no formal contact. In regards to time of contact, 232 constituents responded to the question, while 147 did not. Of the 232 responses, 157 or 41% experienced contact during the day. The total amount of respondents that said their encounter was at night was 75 or 20%

Most police contact had to do with "other" or traffic stops. 92% of respondents were happy with police response time to calls. Also 92% claimed "no issue" with ethnic or language barriers with police.

People were also familiar with police programs like animal control, school resource officers, child seat belt checks, VIN checks and public record checks.

Respondents answered "yes" to the following questions:

*93% - Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the day?

*37% - Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the night?

*75% - Do you feel your neighborhood is a safe environment to raise children?

89% - Do you feel safe in your home?

Respondents answered "no" to the following questions:

*7% - Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the day?

*63% - Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the night?

*25% - Do you feel your neighborhood is a safe environment to raise children?

11% - Do you feel safe in your home?

During the interviews, it was learned that individuals with special needs in East Providence felt that the police were very kind and made their presence known to them.

People would like to see the school resource officer program expanded.

The respondents to the survey believe that one of the major problems in the community is speeding. Many respondents would like to see speeding laws enforced even more.

Respondents point out that they would like to see an increased police presence in neighborhoods, communities, and schools.

Respondents suggested that there be more persona l contact between the police and the residents in order to establish even greater rapport. Some respondents suggested that more officers should be hired. Respondents point out that the programs need to be made known to the public in a more widespread and accessible way.

Respondents suggested that there be more persona l contact between the police and the residents in order to establish even greater rapport. Some respondents suggested that more officers should be hired. Respondents point out that the programs need to be made known to the public in a more widespread and accessible way.

Report's Conclusion:

The EPPD received high reviews in how its officers are perceived by their residents. Concerns were raised about the safety of residents walking in their neighborhoods at night and in the Riverside area of the city. The EPPD has many programs to serve their residents and should advertise these more.