The level of police presence and response in St Margaret's at Cliffe, a built-up area in Dover, is a topic of understandable interest for residents. Based on 2024 data, the police immediate response time for incidents in St Margaret's at Cliffe averages 19 minutes. A priority response, which covers incidents requiring attention but not an immediate presence, averages 101 minutes.
It's important to differentiate between 'immediate' and 'priority' responses. Immediate responses are dispatched to situations requiring urgent action, such as crimes in progress or where life is at risk. Priority responses address incidents that need attention but don't necessitate an immediate physical presence. These can include certain reports of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour.
Comparing this to the broader UK context provides useful perspective. While this data doesn’t specify police numbers assigned to St Margaret’s at Cliffe, the area's crime rate of 51.5 per 1,000 residents is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally lower level of criminal activity. The safety score of 89/100 also highlights a perception of safety that is significantly above the UK average of 79.
The longer priority response time (101 minutes) warrants consideration. Factors influencing response times can include overall demand on police resources, geographical distances, and the severity of incidents being handled elsewhere. Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency incidents online through the Kent Police website, which can help alleviate pressure on 999 and 101 services and ensure resources are directed effectively. Understanding these response time classifications and utilising online reporting channels can contribute to a more informed and proactive approach to community safety.