Results from HPD Community Satisfaction Survey Released

Results from the Hawai’i Police Department’s 2016 Community Satisfaction Survey were released on Friday.

Data included in the survey results was gathered in March and includes the response of 583 survey takers.

Survey takers across the island agreed that the Big Island is a safe place to live, work, and visit, with 41.11 percent, 48.18 percent, and 43.13 percent of respondents answering, respectively.

When it came to rating HPD, respondents gave a neutral rating at 24.45 percent in satisfaction in how crime is responded to in their community. Agree and disagree responses were not only tied, but closely followed the neutral rating at 23.53 percent in the same category.

Most survey takers said they agreed that HPD does a “good job in keeping the island of Hawai’i safe.” The respondents who agreed make up 33.70 percent, with a neutral ranking following at 26.52 percent.

The majority of people reported that they agreed that they felt comfortable in calling HPD if they needed assistance, totaling 32.72 percent, with 31.08 percent saying they strongly agreed.

Respondents also followed a similar train of thought when it came to contacting HPD to report a crime, with 35.77 percent saying they agreeing and 33.21 percent saying they strongly agreed that they felt comfortable contacting HPD to share information about a crime.

In a police release, Chief Harry Kubojiri noted that they survey helps him in identifying problem areas the community is experiencing with HPD, helps determine if he can rectify the issues through specific HPD training or change in policies, and helps to clarify misinformation about laws and police practices.
“Your feedback has been invaluable in providing input into the impressions of the community and visitors to our island,” Chief Kurojiri said. “Your input is one of the many tools we use in our continuing efforts to improve how we provide services to the public.”

About 30 percent of the survey takers said they had interacted with HPD within the past year while making a report, while 21.74 percent said that they had either made no contact with officers or placeda 9-1-1 call.

The highest number of survey takers lived in Hilo with the 96720 area code. The 96778 Puna area code, as well as Kea’au’s 96749 and Kailua-Kona’s 96740 were popular areas for respondents.

In addition, those in the age group of 55 to 64 had the highest response, followed by the 65-74 age range 65-74.

To review full survey results, visit the HPD website.