The level of police presence in Papworth Everard, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in South Cambridgeshire, is a question of both resources and response times. With a population of 4171, the area demonstrates a crime rate of 57.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment. Papworth Everard also benefits from a safety score of 87 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79, further reinforcing this perception of safety.
However, understanding the level of police presence isn't solely about crime statistics; it’s also about how quickly the police can respond when needed. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 19 minutes. This refers to situations requiring urgent attention, such as those involving immediate danger to life or serious injury. For priority incidents – those requiring attention but not posing an immediate threat – the mean response time is considerably longer, averaging 116 minutes. It’s important to note that 'priority' incidents can still be serious and require prompt action, and the length of this response time is a factor to consider.
While the crime rate and safety score are encouraging, the response times highlight a potential area of focus. Factors influencing response times can include resource allocation across the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the geographical spread of the area, and the nature of incidents reported. The lower crime rate might, in part, be attributable to a proactive community and effective local policing strategies, but the response times remain a key indicator of the support available when incidents do occur. It’s advisable to check the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website for further details on local policing initiatives and crime prevention advice.