The level of police presence in Eastchurch, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Swale district, is a key concern for many residents. While a direct measure of ‘police presence’ (e.g., number of officers patrolling) isn't available, we can assess it through crime rates, safety scores, and response times.
Eastchurch has a population of 4890. Its current crime rate stands at 101.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the national average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, comparatively, there are more reported crimes in Eastchurch. The safety score for Eastchurch is 69 out of 100, significantly below the UK average of 79. A lower safety score indicates a perceived lower level of safety within the area.
Crucially, data from 2024 reveals the mean police response times for Eastchurch. Immediate response times – those for incidents requiring urgent attention – average 19 minutes. Priority response times, for incidents requiring attention but not immediate action, average 101 minutes. These figures offer a tangible measure of how long it takes for police to respond to reported incidents. It’s important to note that these are mean times and individual response times can vary considerably based on the nature of the incident, location, and resource availability.
While these figures provide insight, it’s important to remember that crime rates and safety scores are influenced by many factors beyond police presence, including socioeconomic conditions and community engagement. Understanding these response times can help residents assess the level of support available and plan accordingly.