The question of police presence in Rural Bassetlaw is complex, best understood by examining several key indicators. The area, classified as a BUA (Built-Up Area) within Bassetlaw, has a population of 20,104 residents. While this population size provides context, the true picture emerges when looking at crime statistics and police response times.
Rural Bassetlaw’s crime rate stands at 72.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment compared to the national average. Furthermore, the area receives a safety score of 83 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a perceived high level of safety among residents. However, these statistics only tell part of the story; the efficiency of the police response is equally important.
Data from 2024 reveals a mean immediate police response time of 27 minutes. An 'immediate' response typically refers to situations requiring urgent intervention, such as a crime in progress or a medical emergency. A 27-minute response time can be a significant delay in such scenarios, although factors such as geographical distance and resource allocation can impact these times. The mean priority response time, which covers less urgent matters, is considerably longer at 737 minutes (approximately 12 hours and 17 minutes). This highlights a potential challenge in addressing non-urgent issues in a timely manner.
It's important to understand that these are mean times, meaning some responses will be quicker, and others will take longer. The distance to the nearest police station, the availability of officers, and the complexity of the incident all play a role in response times. The lower crime rate in Rural Bassetlaw might contribute to fewer calls for immediate assistance, but the longer priority response time warrants consideration for residents needing non-urgent support from law enforcement. Further investigation into the specific factors influencing response times in this area would provide a more complete understanding of police presence and effectiveness.