The level of police presence in Belper, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Amber Valley, Derbyshire, is a complex question with several factors to consider. While a direct measure of police officer numbers isn’t readily available, we can assess police presence through crime rates, safety scores, and response times.
Belper's crime rate stands at 55.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting a relatively lower level of criminal activity within the area. The population of Belper is 19,732, meaning that approximately 1090 incidents were recorded. This lower crime rate contributes to Belper’s impressive safety score of 87 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79. A higher safety score indicates a greater perceived and actual level of safety within the community.
However, understanding police presence also involves examining response times. Data from 2024 indicates a median immediate police response time of 19 minutes. A 'median' response time means that half of calls received an immediate response within this timeframe, and half took longer. For priority incidents, the median response time is 51 minutes. These figures represent the time it takes for police to initially respond to a reported incident and are important indicators of how quickly assistance is available. Response times can be influenced by factors such as the availability of officers, the complexity of the incident, and the geographical distance to the location.
It's important to note that these statistics provide a snapshot of the situation in 2024. While Belper's safety profile is currently favourable, consistent monitoring of crime rates and response times is essential to maintaining community safety. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and engage with local policing initiatives to contribute to a safer environment. Further details on local policing and community safety initiatives can usually be found on the Derbyshire Constabulary website.