The effectiveness of police presence in Dartington, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in South Hams, is a complex question best answered by examining available data. Directly, Dartington boasts a notably lower crime rate than the national average. The area experiences a crime rate of 43.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably less than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a comparatively safer environment for residents.
Further reinforcing this perception is Dartington’s safety score, which stands at a respectable 90 out of 100. The UK average safety score is 79, indicating Dartington performs significantly better in terms of perceived safety and overall well-being. This high score likely reflects the lower crime rate and potentially other factors contributing to a sense of security within the community.
However, assessing police effectiveness also requires evaluating response times. Data from 2024 shows that the mean immediate response time for police in Dartington is 17 minutes. For priority incidents, the mean response time is 39 minutes. While these figures don't inherently indicate ineffectiveness, they highlight potential areas for improvement. A 39-minute response time for a priority incident, defined as requiring urgent attention, might be a cause for concern and could impact outcomes in certain situations.
It’s important to note that response times can be influenced by numerous factors, including geographical challenges, resource allocation, and the complexity of incidents. Without further context, it’s difficult to definitively attribute these response times to a lack of police presence or inadequate resources. Nonetheless, residents might wish to consider these times when assessing the overall effectiveness of police services in Dartington and advocate for improvements where necessary. The relatively low crime rate, combined with a high safety score, provides a positive foundation, but continuous evaluation of police response times remains crucial.