NCJ Number
113825
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 15-20
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Edmonton Police Department, Canada, conducted a survey of Chamber of Commerce members to examine the business community's perceptions of personal safety and security, police services and priorities, and preventive programs.
Abstract
Usable responses were received from 918 members (27.3 percent response rate). Results indicate that in the 3 months prior to the study, 78.7 percent had not requested police services on business-related matters and 75.6 percent had had no dealings with police. Of those who had requested police assistance, 64.3 percent indicated that the request was routine. A majority of these respondents were satisfied with police response times and on-scene investigation and described the officer's attitude as pleasant. Only 53.5 percent were somewhat familiar with business crime prevention programs, while 8.8 percent were completely or greatly conversant. While 98 percent believed in the value of foot patrols, the largest percentage (45.8) felt that foot patrols were only somewhat visible. While a majority of respondents felt safe at night in their areas, specific locations were identified where perceptions of safety and security were low. Response to calls for service were ranked most important of police duties, followed by random and general patrols and merchant crime alert. Strong support was shown for the development of such programs as executive security, computer security, business security, and internal theft prevention. 5 tables and 2 footnotes.