The level of police presence and response in Dunston, North Kesteven, is a complex issue to understand. Dunston, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1976, currently exhibits a crime rate of 42.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safe environment. The area also boasts a commendable safety score of 90 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79, reinforcing this perception of safety.
However, the data regarding police response times provides a more nuanced picture. According to 2024 data, the mean police immediate response time in Dunston is 32 minutes. This represents the time taken for officers to respond to situations requiring urgent attention, such as incidents posing an immediate threat to life or serious injury. Furthermore, the mean police priority response time is 1204 minutes (approximately 20 hours). This timeframe applies to incidents requiring a response but not considered immediately critical. It's essential to understand that 'priority' responses are often handled through other means, such as telephone contact or follow-up investigations, rather than an immediate physical presence.
It's important to note that response times can be impacted by numerous factors, including the geographic location of incidents, the availability of resources, and the severity of the situation. The longer priority response time in Dunston, compared to what many might expect, highlights the importance of understanding the categorisation of incidents and the varied approaches to addressing them. While the low crime rate is encouraging, the extended priority response time underscores the need for community vigilance and potentially a discussion around resource allocation within the local policing framework. The lower crime rate and higher safety score suggest that current policing strategies, alongside community efforts, are contributing to a safer environment, but continued monitoring of response times is advisable.