The level of police presence in Birdham, Chichester, is a complex matter to assess solely based on readily available data. Birdham, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2027, exhibits a crime rate of 42.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment than many other areas. Birdham’s safety score is also high, registering at 91 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This combined data point to a positive safety profile.
However, understanding the police response times provides further insight into the practical experience of residents. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 16 minutes. An ‘immediate response’ typically refers to situations requiring urgent intervention, such as a crime in progress or a medical emergency. The mean priority response time, indicating a response for less urgent matters, is considerably longer at 107 minutes. This longer response time for priority calls could be due to various factors, including resource allocation, geographical challenges, or the volume of calls received.
It’s important to note that these response times are averages and individual experiences may vary. Factors like the precise location within Birdham, the nature of the incident, and the availability of police resources at the time will all influence the actual response time. While the low crime rate and high safety score are reassuring, residents should be aware of the potential for delays in receiving a priority police response. Further investigation into the specific policing model for Birdham, and the resources allocated to the area, might provide a more complete picture of the police presence.