Determining the precise police response time in Worthing is complex, as specific, publicly available data is not currently released. However, we can paint a picture of the situation based on available information about the area and broader policing principles.
Worthing, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 113,866, has a crime rate of 94.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is marginally higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000 residents. The area also boasts a safety score of 79 out of 100, which is the same as the UK average. While a safety score of 79 suggests a relatively safe environment, the slightly elevated crime rate may indicate periods of increased demand on local police resources.
Police response times are influenced by many factors including the nature of the call (emergency vs. non-emergency), the location within Worthing, traffic conditions, and the availability of officers. Emergency calls, such as those involving immediate danger to life or serious criminal activity, receive the highest priority and are dispatched immediately. Non-emergency calls, such as reporting theft or providing information, may experience longer wait times.
It's important to understand that police forces operate using a tiered system of response. 'Red' calls (immediate threat to life) receive the fastest response, followed by 'Silver' (serious incident requiring urgent attention) and then 'Bronze' (less urgent incidents). The increased crime rate in Worthing, although only slightly above the national average, could potentially impact the availability of officers to respond to all calls promptly.
To help ensure a timely response, residents are encouraged to report non-emergency incidents online through the Sussex Police website or by calling 101. This frees up phone lines for emergency calls and allows police to triage calls effectively. Furthermore, staying informed about local crime prevention initiatives and community safety programs can contribute to a safer environment and potentially reduce demand on police services.