The responsiveness of the local police force to crime in Kempsey, Malvern Hills, is a multifaceted issue. Generally, Kempsey exhibits a lower crime rate compared to the national average. The crime rate in Kempsey is 53.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the UK average stands at 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a comparatively safer environment within the BUA of Kempsey. Furthermore, Kempsey's safety score is 87 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a perception of greater safety among residents.
However, response times offer a more nuanced perspective on police responsiveness. Data from 2023 reveals a mean immediate response time of 13 minutes. An 'immediate' response typically signifies situations involving immediate danger to life or serious risk of harm. The mean priority response time, designated for less urgent matters, is considerably longer, at 43 minutes. A 'priority' response addresses incidents requiring police attendance but not posing an immediate threat.
It’s important to understand that these are mean times, meaning they represent the average across all calls. Individual response times can vary greatly depending on factors such as the nature of the incident, location, resource availability, and the severity of the situation. While the immediate response time is relatively swift, the 43-minute priority response time may be a cause for concern for some residents, particularly when dealing with non-urgent but still impactful issues. The population of Kempsey is 5148, which suggests that the force may be stretched thin across the Malvern Hills district.
Ultimately, assessing police responsiveness involves considering both crime statistics and the time taken to respond to incidents. The lower crime rate and higher safety score are positive indicators, but continued monitoring of response times and community feedback remain essential for ensuring effective policing in Kempsey.