The level of police presence in East Wittering, a built-up area (BUA) within Chichester, is a key factor in understanding its overall safety. While quantifying the number of officers specifically assigned to East Wittering is difficult, we can assess the context through available data. East Wittering has a population of 6948 people. The area's crime rate currently stands at 61.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a comparatively safer environment.
East Wittering boasts a safety score of 87 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. This score reflects a combination of factors, including crime rates and perceived safety. However, it's crucial to consider police response times alongside these statistics.
Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 16 minutes. An 'immediate response' typically covers incidents requiring urgent attention, such as those involving potential harm or danger. For 'priority' incidents, the mean response time is considerably longer, averaging 107 minutes. A 'priority' response signifies incidents requiring police attention but not demanding an immediate presence. It's important to note that these are mean times, and actual response times can vary significantly depending on factors like incident severity, location, and available resources.
While the lower crime rate and high safety score are encouraging, the longer priority response time warrants consideration. Residents should be aware of this and consider appropriate safety measures. Factors contributing to response times can include the geographical spread of the area and demands on police resources across the wider Chichester district. Further information about local policing initiatives and community safety partnerships can be obtained from the Sussex Police website.