Trust and Confidence in Police increases

The latest Citizens’ Satisfaction Survey shows overall trust and confidence at 79 percent, up two percent from last year.

Close to 10,000 people throughout the country took part in the independently-run survey.

It asks people their views about Police, feelings of safety and what their service experience was like if they recently had contact with police. 

The most significant increase was people's perceptions of police responsiveness to their community with 80 percent (up from 78 percent) of those surveyed agreeing or strongly agreeing with this question.

Overall satisfaction with service delivery also increased  with 83 percent of people either satisfied or very satisfied with the contact they have with police.

People's perceptions of safety both during the day and after dark have also improved since the survey began.  The majority of respondents feel safe or very safe in their local neighbourhoods during the day, with 93 percent rating this positively, 72 percent feeling safe in their neighbourhood after dark and 5 percent feeling safe in their city or town centre after dark. 

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said it’s great that such a large majority of New Zealanders feel safe and are satisfied with the service they get from their police.

“Police staff work incredibly hard every day to give the best, most consistent service to their communities and it’s gratifying to have that work reflected in the survey results.

"As part of our Prevention First strategy, we are continuing to work hard to connect with communities and neighbourhoods to prevent crime. The survey results recognise that commitment and hard work."

More information about the survey, including access to the full report, incorporating district results, see Citizens’ Satisfaction Survey reports.