The level of police presence in Folkestone, specifically within the Folkestone and Hythe BUA (Built-Up Area) encompassing Folkestone, is a complex issue reflected in several key metrics. The most immediate concern for many residents is the crime rate, which currently stands at 119.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates a greater prevalence of reported crimes within the Folkestone area compared to the rest of the country. It's important to note that a higher crime rate doesn’t necessarily equate to a feeling of constant danger; it reflects reported incidents and can be influenced by various factors, including reporting practices and population density.
Another indicator of safety is the safety score, which for Folkestone is 72 out of 100. The UK average safety score is 79, suggesting that Folkestone scores slightly lower on perceived safety. This score combines various factors, including crime rates and resident sentiment.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of police presence relates to response times. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 19 minutes. An 'immediate response' typically refers to situations requiring urgent attention, such as potential threats to life or serious ongoing incidents. However, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, averaging 101 minutes. 'Priority' responses cover less urgent incidents requiring police intervention, but still within a defined timeframe. A 101-minute priority response time suggests a potential strain on resources or challenges in deploying officers promptly to these situations.
It's important to contextualize these figures. Response times can be affected by numerous factors, including call volume, geographical challenges, and resource availability. While the data provides a snapshot of the current situation, it doesn't reveal the underlying reasons for these response times. Furthermore, the data represents a mean; individual experiences may vary significantly.