The level of police presence and response times in Somercotes and Swanwick, located within the Amber Valley district, are important considerations for residents. Currently, the area, which comprises a built-up area with a population of 16,028, exhibits a crime rate of 94.9 incidents per 1,000 people. This is marginally higher than the UK national average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. A safety score of 76/100 also indicates a slightly lower perceived level of safety compared to the UK average of 79/100.
When it comes to police response times, data from 2024 reveals a median immediate response time of 19 minutes. An 'immediate response' generally refers to situations requiring urgent attention, such as incidents involving potential danger to life or serious injury. However, the median priority response time is considerably longer, standing at 51 minutes. 'Priority' responses are for incidents that require police attention but do not demand an immediate presence. This difference highlights a potential challenge in resource allocation and response capabilities within the area.
It's important to understand that median response times represent the midpoint; half of responses are quicker, and half are slower. While the immediate response time of 19 minutes isn't dramatically high, the 51-minute priority response time may cause concern for some residents. Factors influencing response times can include the distance to the incident location, the availability of officers, and the severity of other ongoing incidents in the region. The specific criteria for classifying incidents as 'immediate' or 'priority' are determined by police force protocols and may evolve over time. Residents should be aware of these protocols and understand when to contact emergency services and when to report non-urgent matters through appropriate channels.
Understanding these statistics provides a clearer picture of the police presence and response capabilities in Somercotes and Swanwick. While the data indicates a slightly higher crime rate and a lower safety score than the national average, it's crucial to interpret these figures within the context of the overall picture and consider proactive steps for community safety.