Assessing the effectiveness of police presence in Southfleet, Dartford, requires examining several key indicators. The area, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1795, currently exhibits a crime rate of 50.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. A safety score of 89 out of 100 also suggests a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average of 79.
However, understanding the speed of police response is crucial. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate police response time of 19 minutes. For priority incidents, the mean response time is significantly longer, standing at 101 minutes. These response times are important factors in how quickly incidents can be addressed and potentially prevented from escalating. It's important to note that response times can be influenced by a variety of factors including the availability of resources, the nature of the incident, and the distance to the location.
The lower crime rate and higher safety score suggest that current preventative measures, including police patrols and community initiatives, may be having a positive effect. However, the length of the priority response time highlights a potential area for improvement. While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, any delay in response to serious incidents could impact the feeling of safety and security within the community. Further analysis would require examining the types of crimes occurring, the success rate of investigations, and the perceptions of residents regarding police effectiveness. It’s also important to consider whether the 2024 data represents a consistent trend or a temporary fluctuation.