The level of police presence in Sandford, a built-up area in Dorset with a population of 2573, is a key concern for many residents. Understanding how quickly the police respond to incidents is crucial for assessing overall safety. Currently, the mean immediate police response time in Sandford is 14 minutes, based on data from 2024. For priority incidents, the mean response time is 126 minutes, also from 2024 data.
It's important to contextualise these figures within the broader picture of Sandford’s safety profile. The area boasts a crime rate of 61.8 per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that Sandford experiences fewer crimes overall compared to the national average. Furthermore, Sandford’s safety score is 86 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79. This high score indicates a perceived higher level of safety within the community.
While the immediate response time of 14 minutes is relatively swift, the 126-minute priority response time is something to consider. ‘Priority’ incidents typically involve situations requiring a less urgent but still important police intervention. Factors influencing response times can include the availability of officers, the severity of the incident, and the distance to the location. It's worth noting that police response times can vary and are subject to change.
Residents of Sandford should report any suspicious activity or concerns to the police promptly. Understanding the difference between immediate and priority responses is important when deciding how to report an incident. While the overall crime rate is lower than average, proactive community engagement and awareness remain vital for maintaining safety and security in Sandford.