The question of how quickly the police typically respond to incidents in Penzance is a valid concern, and understanding these response times is key to assessing safety. According to recent data from 2024, the mean immediate response time for police in the Penzance Built-Up Area (BUA) is 17 minutes. This refers to responses to incidents requiring urgent attention, such as those involving immediate danger to life or serious injury.
It's important to note that not all incidents require an immediate response. For incidents classified as 'priority' – which still require a police response but not the same level of urgency – the mean response time is 39 minutes. This category would encompass a broader range of situations, such as burglaries in progress or reports of criminal damage.
Contextualising these figures, Penzance has a population of 16,361. The area’s crime rate stands at 135.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Coupled with a safety score of 69/100, which falls below the UK average of 79/100, these statistics highlight the importance of understanding police response capabilities.
It’s crucial to remember that these are mean response times. Individual experiences may vary considerably based on factors such as the severity of the incident, the availability of police resources at the time, and the accuracy of the reported location. Providing clear and precise location details when reporting an incident is vital to ensure a swift and effective response. Furthermore, understanding the difference between immediate and priority responses helps manage expectations about the speed of assistance.