‘More than eight out of 10 happy with garda service’

MORE than eight out of 10 people are happy with the overall service from the gardaí, according to a survey.

The Garda Public Attitudes Survey 2005 found 83% of people were satisfied, a drop of 2% from 2004. The survey found satisfaction rates fell in 20 garda divisions, while it improved in four and remained unchanged in one.

There are significant differences within the country, with dissatisfaction rates varying from 8% in Cork West to 26% in Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Central.

Mayo recorded the biggest drop in satisfaction rates (10%), with Galway West experiencing the largest increase (3%).

Research found 11.7% of people said they were victims of crime, the most common being domestic burglary and physical assault.

The survey found Roscommon/Galway East reported the biggest level of crime victimisation at 24%.

Researchers said it was the only rural division to record a higher than average level of victimisation.

The five Dublin divisions came next on the table, ranging from 15% to 22.5%.

Mayo had the lowest level of crime victimisation (3.9%), followed by Cork West (4.5%).

Some 83% reported the most recent crime to gardaí, compared with 79% in 2004. However 42% said they were dissatisfied at being kept informed with progress.

Donegal was at the bottom of the table, with only 26% reporting satisfaction at being kept informed, followed by Kerry at 29%. DMR East recorded the highest rate of satisfaction (67%).

Almost seven out of ten people said they were satisfied with the garda’s response to 999 calls.

But 38% said it took longer than 15 minutes for gardaí to respond, and a further 11% said no gardaí arrived at all.

Some 9% reported unacceptable behaviour by gardaí, a 3% drop on 2004.

Dublin divisions and Donegal were at the top of the table for unacceptable behaviour.

Seven out of 10 people said they feel safe in their neighbourhood.

Feelings of insecurity were highest in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Cork city had the highest rate (55%).

Some 45% of people worry about becoming a victim of crime, with Cork city recording the highest rate (62%). Nearly eight in 10 (77%) thought crime was increasing, although a majority were more optimistic about their own area.

A quarter of non-EU residents reported being the victim of a racist incident.

The survey was carried out by independent agency Millward Brown IMS on behalf of the force.

Survey results

Total number surveyed - 10,000 Average - 400 in each of 25 divisions

Overall satisfaction (2002 figures in brackets): Satisfied/very satisfied - 83% (86%) Highest: Cork West - 92%, Lowest: DMR West - 77%

Victims of crime: Overall - 11.7% Highest: Roscommon/Galway East - 24% Lowest: Mayo - 3.9% Type: Burglary of home - 23% Reported - 83% Satisfied with being kept informed - 48% Highest: DMR East - 67% Lowest: Donegal - 26.3%

Emergency response: Within 15 minutes - 51% Within one hour - 90% Did not respond - 11% Satisfied with emergency response - 69% (63%) Satisfied with contact - 80% (83%)

Suggest: Greater manpower - 56% (34%) More Garda foot patrols - 52% (41%)

Unacceptable behaviour: Total - 9.3% Highest: DMR South Central - 18.5% Lowest: Galway West - 3.6%

Road traffic collisions: Respondents - 3% Satisfied - 73% (79%)

Respondents’ priorities:

* Ensure immediate response to emergencies

* Enforce drug laws

* Target organised crime

Perception of policing priorities:

* Investigate crime

* Ensure immediate response to emergencies

* Ensure state security

Fear of crime: Safe or very safe walking after dark - 71% Highest: Clare - 83% Lowest: Cork - 55% Safe or very safe at home - 85% Highest: Clare/Dublin East - 93% Lowest: Carlow/Kildare - 73%