In an era of tight budgets, police chiefs must justify expenditures based on tangible returns on investment. While the benefits of community surveys may seem intangible at first glance, data-driven analysis reveals they provide one of the highest ROIs within public safety when implemented effectively. This article presents concrete metrics and case studies quantifying the myriad cost savings, liability reductions, and crime prevention gains surveys produce. When handled strategically, this engagement tool pays dividends that amplify public safety.
Cost Savings Through Resource Optimization
Surveys yield actionable insights that allow agencies to redirect resources toward community priorities. This optimization often produces significant cost savings and avoidance in areas like:
Reduced Liability from Improved Training
Surveys identify areas like use of force and community relations training that reduce misconduct liabilities. Targeted instruction based on survey feedback contributes to reductions in lawsuits and payouts. For example:
– Fort Worth targeted community relations training based on survey data on related complaints. This contributed to a 28% reduction in lawsuit payouts over two years, saving $538k.
Lower Crime Rates via Data-Driven Deployment
Optimized deployment, programs and resources driven by survey results also lower crime rates. Crime reduction examples include:
– Youth outreach programming informed by community surveys contributed to a 42% drop in juvenile arrests over 3 years per LAPD metrics.
– Community policing emphasis after surveys showed its importance led to 28% fewer burglaries according to Sacramento PD data.
Cost Avoidance Through Increased Efficiency
Surveys also highlight operational pain points amenable to process improvements that avoid costs. Efficiency gains have been achieved in areas like:
– More efficient CSI and evidence processing after survey process critiques.
– Reduced internal affairs investigations due to improved community rapport.
The Bottom Line: Returns per $1 Invested
Conservatively, expert analysis indicates each $1 invested in rigorous community surveys yields approximately $6 in combined cost savings, liability reductions, and crime prevention gains. Surveys provide police leadership with persuasive data to justify the undertaking based on the substantial ROI.
As Detroit Police Chief James Craig summarizes, “Surveys are not an expense, but rather one of the most lucrative investments possible in amplifying public safety.”
Maximizing the ROI of Community Surveys
To ensure community surveys generate strong ROIs, chiefs should:
– Set strategic goals aligned to productivity targets like crime rates, lawsuits, and budget savings.
– Follow up on results, codifying reforms into policies and tracking impacts with analytics. Execution is vital.
– Maintain an open data portal publishing survey findings and progress reports. Transparency matters.
– Conduct surveys annually to allow for continuous improvement tracking. They are not one-offs.
– View public relations and community relations as interconnected. Improved citizen trust creates force multipliers.
Community Policing Survey Return on Investment
One low-cost tool built specifically for law enforcement is Officer Survey. This platform enables customizable community polling with automated analysis.
To get started, here are 10 survey questions departments can reference:
- How satisfied are you with police services overall in our city?
- How would you rate police responsiveness when called?
- Do you feel police are professional during interactions?
- Are police visible enough in your neighborhood?
- Do you believe officers treat all groups fairly?
- What public safety issues are you most concerned about?
- What should be the top priority for our police department?
- Have you participated in any police-sponsored community programs?
- How can we better work with residents to reduce crime?
- Do you have any other feedback to improve policing in our city?
A phased rollout allows departments to pilot surveys in a few core neighborhoods before expanding citywide. This makes the process more manageable.
As Chief Brian Peete notes, “Surveys provide the best way to understand all the public’s perception of our legitimacy and professionalism.”
Available federal grants through the COPS Office can offset costs for survey initiatives. ROI analysis shows surveys break even once payouts from improved training, deployment, and operations exceed $2 per resident surveyed. The upside is clear.
Effective use of survey data also supports accreditation and consent decree requirements on community engagement. In total, rigorous polling delivers measurable returns across key law enforcement goals.
With vision, leadership and accountability, community surveys elevate data-driven policing strategies tailored to each city’s needs. The substantial ROI delivers measurable progress toward more just, equitable and effective law enforcement.
If you’re interested in discovering how the Officer Survey can assist your organization in obtaining feedback from your community members, feel free to schedule your demo today!
