The question of police presence in Perton, a built-up area in South Staffordshire, is complex and tied to several factors including crime rates, population, and response times. Overall, Perton appears relatively safe compared to the UK average.
The crime rate in Perton stands at 46.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a lower incidence of crime within the area. This lower crime rate contributes to a higher safety score for Perton, currently recorded as 88 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79. A higher safety score generally indicates a perception of greater safety and security within the community.
However, understanding police presence also requires examining response times. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 14 minutes for Perton. This refers to incidents requiring an urgent and immediate police presence. Furthermore, the mean time for a priority response is 218 minutes. A priority response encompasses incidents that require police attention but not necessarily an immediate presence. These longer response times for priority incidents might be influenced by factors such as the area’s geographical location, resource allocation, and the nature of the incidents reported.
It's important to note that response times are averages and can be affected by numerous variables. While the 2024 data provides a snapshot, it doesn't reflect every individual situation. The population of Perton is 8294, which influences the resources needed to adequately police the area. The effectiveness of police presence is not solely determined by response times but also by proactive policing, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives.