The level of police presence in Toft Hill and High Etherley, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within County Durham, is a question of both resource allocation and response effectiveness. With a population of 2236, the area demonstrates a lower crime rate than the UK average. The crime rate stands at 38.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to a national average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment than many other areas in the United Kingdom. Toft Hill and High Etherley also boasts a safety score of 91 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79, further reinforcing this perception of relative safety.
However, understanding police presence isn't solely about crime statistics. It’s also about response times. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 17 minutes. An 'immediate' response typically refers to situations involving immediate threats to life or serious injury. Priority responses, which cover a broader range of incidents requiring police attention, have a mean response time of 297 minutes. This longer timeframe highlights potential challenges in resource allocation and response capabilities, although the definition of 'priority' can vary by police force and incident type.
It’s important to note that response times are influenced by numerous factors, including the severity of the incident, the availability of resources, and the distance to the location. While the provided figures offer a statistical overview, individual experiences may vary. The lower overall crime rate in Toft Hill and High Etherley suggests that the current level of police presence is, at least statistically, adequate, but ongoing monitoring and community engagement remain vital to maintaining safety and addressing any emerging concerns.