Trust and Confidence Survey Provides Insight into Public Views on Policing

Gloucestershire’s public have told me they want to see more visible policing and greater communication from their force. This comes from our Trust and Confidence Survey, jointly undertaken by my Office and Gloucestershire Constabulary.

This survey has been an excellent way to get right to the heart of communities and hear their views on policing.

The survey, which has gathered responses from 1,937 residents since September 2025, provides a detailed picture of public attitudes towards crime, safety and policing across the county. It found that most residents feel safe in their local area, but concerns remain around issues such as burglary, anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving and drug-related activity.

Nearly eight in ten respondents said they feel fairly, or very safe, in their neighbourhood, but many also reported being worried about crime and its impact on their communities.

One of the clearest messages from the survey was the importance of police visibility. Residents repeatedly highlighted the role that officers and PCSOs play in helping people feel safe, with many calling for more foot patrols and a greater police presence in local communities. More than half of respondents said they had never seen a police officer or PCSO patrolling on foot or bicycle in their area.

The survey also identified a strong demand for better communication from Gloucestershire Constabulary. More than 80 per cent of respondents said they would like to see more communication about local policing activity, with visible patrols, community engagement and neighbourhood updates highlighted as key priorities.

Respondents also recognised the financial and resource pressures facing policing.

More than half felt that Gloucestershire Constabulary does not currently have sufficient funding to address the crime concerns identified in the survey.

The report found that public confidence in Gloucestershire Constabulary was generally neutral to positive, with many residents stating they had no reason to distrust the organisation but wanted more information about what policing activity is taking place in their local area.

This survey has helped me reaffirm a number of factors. Firstly, that a majority of the public do have trust and confidence in their Constabulary, which is great to hear.

Secondly, that the public do understand the tight financial restraints we have and the impact that has on police visibility.

There is a strong theme in this survey’s findings, and in my own anecdotal conversations I have with the public – you want to see more police. You want to see them on patrol, on foot, in vehicles, and on our roads. I want to see this too. A police presence has the ability to deter criminals and reassure the law-abiding public.     

The survey results will be used by my Office and Gloucestershire Constabulary to help shape future activity and identify opportunities to strengthen trust and confidence in policing across the county.