SUFFOLK residents are being asked about what they want to see from their police force this year.

Colin Adwent

SUFFOLK residents are being asked about what they want to see from their police force this year.

The public is being urged to help shape policing in the county by taking part in various online surveys.

Suffolk Police Authority is asking a range of questions from 'How safe do you feel in the area where you live?' to 'What should be the main priorities for police in your area?'

The survey is aimed at collecting people's views about policing in the neighbourhood in which they live.

Gary Kitching, assistant chief constable of Suffolk Constabulary said: “Survey results and feedback can significantly improve policing in your area and will assist your local police in identifying specific issues and challenges that you and your community faces.

“Results are continually fed back to local Safer Neighbourhood teams so they can address specific and immediate problems.”

Gulshan Kayembe, chair of Suffolk Police Authority added: “Overall results are given to the Chief Constable and the Police Authority so that decisions can be made about the allocation of police resources and targets can be developed to underpin the 'Policing Pledge' and operational control strategy which aims to tackle key problem areas and issues.

“This will help to make Suffolk an even safer place for people to live, work and visit.”

The new survey can be found on www.suffolk.police.uk or www.suffolkpoliceauthority.org.uk (follow the Have Your Say link).

The police authority is also offering a chance for residents to get involved in the way the police consults with the public and to gain a greater understanding of more specific issues which affect their communities.

The Virtual Policing Community sends out short surveys online throughout the year.

To join the Virtual Policing Community visit Suffolk police's website (follow the link for 'Have Your Say' then select 'Virtual Policing Community'.

Views of young people are also continually sought. A revised survey specifically aimed youngsters has also been re-launched and can be found under the same 'Have Your Say' link and then selecting 'Young Persons Survey'.

For more information contact Emma Bloom, on 01473 782014 or email consultation@suffolk.pnn.police.uk