Public Safety Resident Feedback Report - … · Public Safety Resident Feedback Report ... historic...

235 EAST AIRY STREET, NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 T (610-270-8080) U WWW.NORRISTOWN.ORG

Municipality of Norristown

Public Safety Resident Feedback Report

Council Listening Tour #1 – West End

Prepared by:

Crandall Jones Municipal Administrator

Brandon Ford Special Assistant to the Municipal Administrator

Municipality of Norristown | Public Safety Resident Feedback Report

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Introduction On Tuesday, July 25, the Municipal Council of Norristown hosted the first of four listening tours scheduled throughout the Municipality during the summer of 2017. Taking place at the historic Maenner-Chor Club on Haws Ave in Norristown’s West End, the first of these listening tours focused on the topic of public safety.

Purpose The goal of these public meetings is to empower residents to provide Council and the Municipality with true community problem-solving and policy-focused input that will assist in the formation of public policy as well as offer significant insight as Norristown prepares for the upcoming 2018 fiscal year. The first of these meetings was designed to focus on the issue of public safety in Norristown. More specifically, Council wished to obtain input from residents on the policies, strategies, and performance of the Norristown Police and Fire Departments.

Resident Feedback In a unique opportunity to offer live feedback to Council, staff, and the rest of the audience, residents were given the chance to utilize the mentimeter engagement tool on their smartphones to answer a series of questions pertaining to the featured issue that was developed by public safety personnel and the Office of the Municipal Administrator (paper copies were available to those without smartphones or chose not to use the software).

Results

Of the several dozen residents who attended, twenty-two provided responses to the public safety questions posed by Council. This report presents an executive summary of the citizen input on public safety. All responses received are included in the results presented in this report, however some responses have been categorized to more effectively reflect trends in public perception on specific issues.

Table 1: Residence of Respondents What part of town were those who responded from?

Table 2: Expectations of Respondents What did residents want from this meeting?

Additional Responses: Ask Questions, Get Answers Address the need for a real Townwatch

6%

19%

37.5%

37.5%


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Public Safety in Norristown

The first set of questions posed to residents centered on gauging resident satisfaction with current public safety operations as well as receive input from citizens as to what public safety issues are most important to them.

Satisfaction with Norristown Police & Fire

The first question posed to respondents asked them to rate on a scale from 1 to 5 their satisfaction with the Norristown Police Dept. (see figure 1A) and the Norristown Fire Dept. (see figure 1B). The average of all responses informs us that most in attendance were satisfied with the overall performance of Norristown Police and Fire Departments. Both departments were rated higher than satisfactory (4.1 and 4.5 for police and fire, respectively).

Pressing Issues to Residents Questions 2 and 3 asked the respondents what they felt were the most pressing public safety. While crime in general was purported as the most frequent response (41% of all respondents specifically identified crime as their number one issue), drug activity, gun violence, and zoning/code enforcement were also identified as major public safety issues that need to be addressed. When asked to narrow their concerns to three of five categories, the crime rate and crime prevention (33%) as well as the perception that Norristown is unsafe (33%) were identified by respondents as the most significant problems to them (see figure 3).

Review of Performance

Questions four through seven prompted respondents to provide feedback on what the Norristown Police and Fire Departments are doing well in addition to identifying areas in which those departments are NOT doing well. While this was an open-ended questions where residents could freely type their responses, the input given has been categorized for analytical purposes (see figure 4-7).

Figure 1A: Satisfaction with Norristown Police

Figure 1B: Satisfaction with Norristown Fire

4.5

Figure 2: Pressing Public Safety Issues (Categorical)

Figure 3: Narrowing Safety Issues (Categorical)

Responses (Categorized)

Shootings/Gun Violence 6

Speeding 2

Code & Zoning Enforcement/Trash 7

Crime 9

Drugs 7

Infrastructure 2

Unsupervised_kids 1

Violence 2

Neighbors 1

Unresponsive Police 1

Home Ownership 1

Lack of Common Vision 1

Respect/Communication 1

River Safety/Stormwater 1

Fire Prevention 1

4.1


4

Figure 4: What is Norristown Police Doing Well?

Figure 6: What is Norristown Police NOT Doing Well?

Figure 7: What is Norristown FIRE NOT Doing Well?

46%

23%

23%

8%

Figure 5: What is Norristown Fire Doing Well?

58%

12%

23%

8%

14%

32%

23%

14%

40%

10%

30%

10%

10%

Other responses included: Timing/Responsiveness, Kids out late at night, and assisting the mentally ill


5

Fire Prevention/Response

Question 8 asked residents (whether yes or no) if they fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire and/or renter’s insurance, and a fire escape for their homes in case of emergencies. While a majority of respondents indicated that they possessed all the items identified above, over a third (41%) responded that they DID NOT have a fire escape plan (see figure 8).

Perception of Safety The next set of questions was intended to ascertain how residents felt about neighborhoods in Norristown and how those feelings have changed since Norristown PD started to implement a more community-based policing strategy. When asked about the degree to which they felt safe in their own neighborhood, and overwhelming number of respondents (77%) answered they felt either safe or somewhat safe. Less than a quarter (23%) responded that they felt either not really safe or not safe at all (see Figure 9). Question 10 attempted to narrow the concerns of residents by inquiring as to what they felt were the greatest public safety issues in their neighborhood (see figure 10). As the spider graph below depicts, residents felt strongly about seven of the eight crime categories provided. Of the seven, gang/drug activity, burglaries/robberies, and disorderly conduct ranked as the three greatest perceived public safety issues to the respondents.

Do you have working smoke detectors in your home?

No-1, Yes-21

Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home?

No-6, Yes-14

Do you have fire or renter's insurance for your home?

No-2, Yes-16

Do you have a fire escape plan for your home?

No-9, Yes-13

Figure 8: Fire Prevention Inquiries

Figure 9: How safe do you feel in your Neighborhood?

9%

50%

14%

27%

Figure 10: What are the greatest public safety issues in your neighborhood?


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Perception of Safety (continued) Respondents were then asked how their feelings of safety have changed over the past three (3) years. Almost half (47%) purported that their feelings have not changed and they feel the same way they felt about being safe in their neighborhood as they felt in 2014 (see figure 11). Of the remaining responses, 29% replied that they felt safer than three (3) years ago and 24% answered they actually felt less safe. The final question on the perception of safety in Norristown inquired as to what area of our community respondents believed was the most unsafe. Half of respondents (50%) informed us that, in their opinion, Downtown was the most unsafe area of Norristown. West End obtained the second highest percentage at 35% (see figure 12).

West End North End Downtown East End

35% 5% 50% 10%

Procedural Justice/Community Relations Procedural Justice focuses on the way police and other authorities interact with the public and how the characteristics of those interactions shape the public’s view of law enforcement. When asked on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being strongly disagree and 5 representing strongly agree, respondents indicated that they agreed that the Norristown Police and Fire Departments treated residents with dignity & respect (see figures 13A & B). Focusing on their interactions with Norristown PD, respondents were asked whether they trusted our police. An overwhelming number (95%) responded that they trusted the Norristown Police Department to some degree. One response provided additional insight that the respondent trusted police to handle crime, but lacked trust in them to handle minor disturbances such as noise complaints.

Figure 11: How have your feelings of safe changed over the past three (3) years?

Figure 12: What is the most unsafe neighborhood in Norristown?

Figure 13A: Does Norristown Police treat people fairly, with dignity and respect?

3.9

4.5

Figure 13B: Does Norristown Fire treat people fairly, with dignity and respect?


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Procedural Justice/Community Relations Another question posed to respondents on the topic of trust was whether they felt comfortable sharing information about a crime with the Norristown Police. Precisely 90% of all responses received indicated that respondents felt either somewhat or fully comfortable about sharing info with Police (see figure 14). When asked about what steps Norristown PD could take to help residents feel more comfortable about sharing info, those in attendance provide a series of suggestions ranging from increasing public awareness of the NPD’s anonymous tip line (610-278-9477) to ensuring an adequate response to minor disturbances such as arguments, loud music, and dog complaints (see figure 15). Regarding community relations, respondents rated the ability of Norristown’s Police and Fire Departments to develop relationships with residents favorably. On a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 signifying not well at all and 5 indicating extremely well, respondents ranked both departments as doing slightly better than average at 3.1 for police and 3.6 for fire (see figure 16) .

Figure 14: Do you feel comfortable sharing info about a crime with Norristown PD?

Responses

Not feel that a person can retaliate

True Assurance of protection,

Anonymous contact line

More interaction with public

Make sure everyone knows about the anonymous tip line

Keep the bad guys after you arrest them. They are often home before the reports are done

Don't report your complaint about your neighbor

Respond to calls about fireworks, noise, arguments, loud music, dogs

more outreach (Coffee with Cop)

not give other party our info

Q16: What could we do to help you feel comfortable enough to share info?

Figure 15: Suggestions on Sharing Info about a Crime in Norristown

3.1

3.6

Police

Fire

Figure 16: How well does our Police/Fire develop community relations?


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Communications and Outreach Another topic we asked attendees about involved preferred methods of contacting residents and getting the word out about public safety events, alerts, and outreach efforts. Inquiring about the preferred method of communicating information, 31% of responses indicated email as the preferred method and 29% identified social media as the ideal way to communicate (see figure 17). As for outreach, nearly half (48%) responded that they were signed up for the Ready Montco Notification System with 33% of all responses informing us that they utilize the FREE Norristown Municipal App. Respondents were also asked about potential new methods of recruiting new volunteer firefighters. Norristown utilizes a unique hybrid model in which our fire department consists of both career and volunteer firefighters. Responses included focusing on recruiting local youth, offering incentives, and as well as more actively recruiting and attending job fairs (see figure 18).

Improving Public Safety/Programming The final set of questions focused on obtaining resident input on how the Municipality can improve its public safety operations. When asked to rank four categories on ways to improve public safety in Norristown, the results show that respondents felt that additional patrols and more personnel were needed the most, scoring 1.92 and 1.84 respectively on a range from 0 to 2 (see figure 19). In terms of programming, more than half (53%) of respondents indicated that they had not participated in any public safety programs offered by the Municipality (i.e. Police Leadership Academy, Fire Safety House, etc.), but expressed an interest in wanting to participate in such programs. When asked about programming and training that they would like see offered, 50% articulated that they would like to see additional Town Watch and/or Self-Defense training.

The final question posed to respondents was an opportunity for all in attendance to submit open ended feedback on public safety in Norristown. Figure 20 lists all applicable responses.

Figure 19: What do you think we need to improve Public Safety in Norristown?

Responses

Go to the neighborhoods 1

Youth Engagement/Partner with School District 6

Marketing Benefits/Incentives 4

Actively Recruit/Job Fairs/Outreach 4

Paid_Firefighters 1

Tax Exempt Status 1

Q18: How can we attract more volunteer firefighters?

Figure 18: How can Norristown Fire attract more volunteer firefighters?

Figure 17: Do you feel comfortable sharing info about a crime with Norristown PD?


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Figure 20: Additional comments, suggestions, and questions on the topic of public safety.

Like business community concerns regarding public safety also be addressed like Homelessness, trash, unsafe sidewalks and roads.

Maybe could come to some of the really struggling blocks and have talk to the residents. People are more receptive if you come to them

Responses

How can patrols be increased?

Perception of public safety won't change by insisting it's just a "perception issue"

Like Coffee with Cops Programs. Nice recruitment and marketing tool.

Have our leaders address the community when an act of violence occurs, to reassure the community

Were more police patrols put into effect after the recent shooting in the west end?

More council engagement.

What is being done about failing Infrastructure ? What is being done to attract businesses to downtown?

People are afraid and there's no one to tell them other wise

Go to the people

Better snow removal & paving

Demo the snow storm procedures

Norristown' s leaders are too far removed from the community

Q24: What comments/suggestions/questions do you have on PUBLIC SAFETY?


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Public Safety Survey Data

TEST QUESTION 1: What neighborhood do you currently live?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type open

Responses

East End 3

West End 12

North End 2

Downtown 2

TEST QUESTION 2: What do you expect from this event (pick 2)?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Choices Votes

Meet New People 2

Offer Feedback 12

Help Shape Public Policy 6

Learn New Information 12

Ask Questions, Get Answers 1

Address the need for a real town watch 1

Q1: Public Safety Satisfaction

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales

Choices Weighted average

How satisfied are you with Norristown Police? 4.098901099

How satisfied are you with Norristown Fire? 4.509615385


11

Q2: What is the most pressing Public Safety issue to you?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses (Categorized)

Shootings/Gun Violence 6

Speeding 2

Code & Zoning Enforcement/Trash 7

Crime 9

Drugs 7

Infrastructure 2

Unsupervised kids 1

Violence 2

Neighbors 1

Unresponsive Police 1

Home Ownership 1

Lack of Common Vision 1

Respect/Communication 1

River Safety/Stormwater 1

Fire Prevention 1

Q3: Narrowing your concerns, which 3 issues below are most pressing to you?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Choices Votes

Community Relations 10

Crime Rate/Prevention 19

Fire Prevention/Education 3

Perception that Norristown is Unsafe 19

Fairness & Equity in Public Safety 7

Question 4: What would you say our Police Dept. is doing well?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses

Community Outreach 12

Listening/Open Communication 6

Responsiveness 6

Public Awareness/ Relatability 2

got us off dangerous cities list


12

Q5: What would you say our Fire Dept. is doing well?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses

Responsiveness 15

Community outreach 3

Education Programming 6

Prevention 2

Q6: What would you say our Police Dept. is NOT doing well?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses

Proactive (Preventing/Reducing Crime) 3

Drug Enforcement 7

Need more Patrols 5

Assuring Community/Quality of Life Concerns 3

Late Night Kids 1

Assisting the Mentally Ill 1

Getting & Keeping Bad Guys 1

Timing 1

patrolling drunks at Riverfront

Q7: What would you say our Fire Dept. is NOT doing well?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses

Recruitment 4

Need Less Firehouses 1

Prevention /Inspections 3

Answering Calls Promptly 1

Outreach 1

Q8: Fire Prevention/Response

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales


Do you have working smoke detectors in your home? No-1, Yes-21


13

Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home? No-6, Yes-14

Do you have fire or renter's insurance for your home? No-2, Yes-16

Do you have a fire escape plan for your home? No-9, Yes-13

Q9: Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Choices Votes

Not at all 2

Not really 3

Somewhat 11

I feel Safe 6

Q10: What do you think are the greatest problems in your neighborhood?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales


Burglaries/Robberies 2.666666667

Disorderly Conduct 2.7

Gang/Drug Activity 2.816666667

Hate Crimes 1.333333333

Traffic Issues 2.533333333

Vandalism/Graffiti 2.433333333

Homelessness 2.166666667

Gun Violence/Assault 2.6

Q11: To what extent have your feelings of safety changed in past 3 years?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Choices Votes

I feel less safe 4

Slightly less safe 1

Feelings are the same 10

Slightly more safe 1

I feel more safe 5


14

Q12: In your opinion, what is the most unsafe neighborhood in Norristown?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Responses

West End 7

Downtown 10

North End 1

East End 2

Q13: Would you agree with the following statements?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales


Norristown PD treats people fairly, with dignity & respect 3.988888889

Norristown Fire treats people fairly, with dignity & respect 4.506666667

Q14: To what extent do you trust Norristown Police?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Choices Votes

I trust them greatly 10

I somewhat trust them 9

I don't trust them 1

Trusted to handle crime, but not minor disturbances

Q15: Do you feel comfortable sharing info about a crime with NPD?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Question

Respondents 17

Choices Votes

Uncomfortable 0

Slightly Uncomfortable 1

Neither 1

Somewhat Comfortable 9

Comfortable 9


15

Q16: What could we do to help you feel comfortable enough to share info?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type open

Responses

Not feel that a person can retaliate

True Assurance of protection,

Anonymous contact line

More interaction with public

Make sure everyone knows about the anonymous tip line

Keep the bad guys after you arrest them. They are often home before the reports are done

Don't report your complaint about your neighbor

Respond to calls about fireworks, noise, arguments, loud music, dogs

more outreach (Coffee with Cop)

not give other party our info

Q17: What do you think is needed to improve Public Safety?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales


More patrols 1.92

More personnel 1.84

More/New Equipment 1.49

More Resources 1.53 Other Responses included: trust police use CompSTAT to make right decisions youth involvement, & collaboration

Q18: How can we attract more volunteer firefighters?

Responses

Go to the neighborhoods 1

Youth Engagement/Partner with School District 6

Marketing Benefits/Incentives 4

Actively Recruit/Job Fairs/Outreach 4

Paid Firefighters 1

Tax Exempt Status 1


16

Q19: If your opinion,

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type scales


How well does our Police Dept. develop community relationships? 3.141666667

How well does our Fire Dept. develop community relationships? 3.583333333

Q20: Are you signed up for any/all of the following:

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Choices Votes

Norristown Mobile App 7

Ready Montco 10

Not now, but sign me up 4

Q21: What is the best way to communicate information to you?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Respondents 45

Choices Votes

Email 14

Municipal Website 7

Regular Mail; Paper Flyers/Handouts 5

Social Media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc) 13

Norristown App/Ready Montco 6

Q22: Have you taken part in any of the following Public Safety Programs?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type choices

Respondents 17

Choices Votes

Citizen Police Academy 5

Leadership Academy 3

Jr. Firefighters Program 0

Fire Safety House 0

No, but I want to 9


17

Q23: What additional Public Safety programs/training would you like offered?

Date 2017-07-25

Session 1

Type wordcloud

Respondents 16

Responses

Townwatch/Self-Defense 8

Fishing 1

Basic fire prevention 1

Property Maintenance 1

Resident Participation 3

Property Ownership Classes 1

Business Safety 1

Q24: What comments/suggestions/questions do you have on PUBLIC SAFETY?

Like business community concerns regarding public safety also be addressed like Homelessness, trash, unsafe sidewalks and roads.

Maybe could come to some of the really struggling blocks and have talk to the residents. People are more receptive if you come to them

Responses

How can patrols be increased?

Perception of public safety won't change by insisting it's just a "perception issue"

Like Coffee with Cops Programs. Nice recruitment and marketing tool.

Have our leaders address the community when an act of violence occurs, to reassure the community

Were more police patrols put into effect after the recent shooting in the west end?

More council engagement.

What is being done about failing Infrastructure ? What is being done to attract businesses to downtown?

People are afraid and there's no one to tell them other wise

Go to the people

Better snow removal & paving

Demo the snow storm procedures

Norristown' s leaders are too far removed from the community

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