Thunder Bay Police launch online 2014 citizen survey

Thunder Bay Police want to know what you think.

Between now and Christmas the department is inviting the public to fill out its online 2014 citizen survey, a chance for residents of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge to tell police how they’re doing.

Spokesman Chris Adams called it an important tool.

“Being able to listen to the community is very critical,” Adams said on Wednesday.

“In policing very often it’s reactive as far as service delivery goes. Officers respond where crimes happen and they get investigated. But to actually take the time and to have a conversation – and this is really one of the many conversations we can now have with the community to say how are we doing, what are your priorities for us and what do you think safety is in your neighbourhood.

Questions on the survey range from asking about the effectiveness of police and their priorities, to how frequently the public calls on police and the ensuing experience to where the public gets most of its police-related news and information.

“That kind of information helps us when we look ahead, especially with a business plan. That kind of information is really important. It’s important to know how we’re doing, to get that feedback and to make good decisions about what kind of policing service we need to be offering,” Adams said.

The survey can be accessed at www.thunderbaypolice.ca or on the police service’s Facebook page.

“It takes about five minutes to fill out,” Adams said.

A full report on the results of the survey will be available in the police services annual report, expected to be released next June or July.