The question of police presence and visibility in Penwithick, Cornwall, is understandable given its crime statistics. Penwithick, a built-up area (BUA) with a population of 3819, currently has a crime rate of 103.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a slightly elevated risk of crime compared to the national picture. Its safety score stands at 74 out of 100, below the UK average of 79, further reinforcing this perception.
Assessing police presence isn't just about the number of officers; it’s about responsiveness. Data from 2024 indicates the mean immediate response time for police in Penwithick is 17 minutes. An 'immediate response' typically covers incidents requiring urgent attention, such as those involving immediate danger to life or serious injury. For 'priority' incidents, which require a response within a defined timeframe but not as urgently, the mean response time is 39 minutes. These figures represent the average time taken and don’t reflect individual incident complexities or resource availability.
It's important to understand that response times can be influenced by numerous factors including call volume, geographical challenges, and the availability of officers. While these figures provide a snapshot of current performance, they do not indicate the number of officers permanently stationed in Penwithick. The perceived visibility of police is also subjective and can be impacted by patrolling patterns and community engagement initiatives. Understanding these statistics alongside local community experiences is key to a complete picture of safety and policing in Penwithick. Further information regarding local policing and safety initiatives can be obtained from the Devon and Cornwall Police website and through local community forums.