What makes residents feel heard? What concerns them most about safety in their neighborhoods? And when they interact with a police officer, do they feel respected and get the answers they need?
Huntsville Police Department (HPD) set out to better understand through its My90 survey program.
The numbers tell part of the story. The feedback behind them offers a better understanding of what residents’ value and where they see opportunities for improvement.
A closer look at trust
Trust develops through everyday interactions and how people are treated when they need help.
HPD’s survey measured six areas related to public trust and satisfaction:
- Overall view of the department
- Respect
- Fair treatment
- Listening
- Understanding concerns
- Offering assistance
Across those categories, HPD received a combined positive score of 89.5%.
Additionally, 88% of respondents reported a positive view of HPD following an interaction with an officer, 91% said they were treated with respect and 87% reported that their questions were answered.
What’s on residents’ minds?
If traffic came to mind when thinking about public safety concerns in Huntsville, you’re not alone.
Traffic and having no safety concerns tied as the most common responses, each accounting for approximately 18%. Helping the unsheltered community accounted for 13%, while theft and “not applicable” each represented approximately 11%.
The responses reflect a range of perspectives, from roadway safety and theft to helping people experiencing homelessness. They also show that not everyone identified a primary safety concern.
More officers on the street? Residents chime in.
HPD also asked residents what could improve safety in their communities.
The most common response? No recommendations for improvement. That accounted for 41%, or 2,176 people.
Another 29% suggested increasing police presence.
These responses give HPD additional insight into residents’ expectations and the changes some believe could help improve community safety.
Listening is part of the week
A survey can’t capture every experience, but it can give residents a chance to share what matters to them.
“We weren’t sure if people were going to take the time to fill out these surveys when we put this in motion last year,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “Receiving nearly 6,000 responses shows us that people are willing to share their experiences and tell us what matters to them. That feedback gives us valuable insight into how we’re doing and where we can continue to improve.”
The My90 results offer one way for HPD to evaluate residents’ experiences, understand their concerns and identify opportunities to improve service. By considering that feedback alongside other information, the department can continue examining community needs and public safety priorities.
The goal is to keep the conversation going: listening to residents and using their feedback to help inform how HPD serves Huntsville.
