City Services Satisfaction Survey 2002 City Services Satisfaction Survey | Page 26

Rating Of Services On Specific Attributes By General Population
Police Department . The police department tends to be rated positively on all attribute
measures. Areas in which the police department is rated highest include courtesy of
officers and providing a feeling of safety. The areas rated lowest are “reducing drug
activities” and “enforcing traffic regulations,” although most residents rate the police
“good” or “excellent” even on these measures. The only notable change in residents’
ratings of the police department was a significant increase in rating of visibility of
police*.
In regard to community policing efforts, residents are most likely to be aware of police
being involved with children (49%), talking with residents (44%), or attending community
events (40%). Residents are least likely to be aware of police implementing foot patrols
or bike patrols in neighborhoods, talking with business owners, attending community
meetings or addressing quality of life offenses.
Fire Department. The emergency services provided by the Arlington fire department
are viewed very positively by Arlington residents. In fact, there may be little room for
improvement on this measure. Perceptions of the department’s non-emergency
community education services are positive, as well, but there is probably some room for
improvement.
Streets. Arlington residents appear to perceive streets as an area where there is much
room for improvement. Areas in which 65% or less of Arlington residents give the city a
rating of “good” or “excellent” include: management of traffic on major thoroughfares
during peak traffic hours, condition of sidewalks, and availability of sidewalks. However,
one notable improvement was a significant increase in the rating of the condition of
major city-maintained streets (from 60% to 66% “excellent” or “good”).
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* Note: The events of September 11, 2001, may have affected this measure either by increased visibility of police or
increased sensitivity to police. This should be taken into consideration when assessing ratings of this
attribute this year or in the future.
Decision Analyst, Inc.
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