Every three years the Warwick Police Department conducts a Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey to gauge the public’s perception of the department and their effectiveness in keeping those they serve safe.

Although the department only received 117 responses to its online survey, there was overwhelming support for the department. With a slew of questions ranging from professional appearance to ranking concerns throughout the city, the Warwick Police Department received high marks across the board.

Ninety-nine percent of respondents said they felt that the department does a good job keeping the citizens of Warwick safe and 95 percent said Warwick is a safe community.

Lieutenant Michael Gilbert, from the Community Services Divisions, said the department is happy to see a “positive response” from those they serve.

Over 90 percent said they have confidence in the Warwick Police Department to do their job in keeping the community safe.

Mayor Scott Avedisian said he was not surprised to see such positive results from the survey. He said that Warwick has been named among one of the safest communities in the nation and has received local and national accreditations for their “professionalism, experience and dedication to our community.”

“The men and women of our police department, both uniformed and civilian, are among the most well respected in the state and the region,” Avedisian said. “The results of this survey reflect the commitment that the members of the department have to ensuring the well being of our citizens and those who visit our city.”

The survey allotted a space for respondents to identify those issues that bring them the most concern, and traffic issues, drugs and theft or burglary were the greatest “perceived problems.” Traffic issues had the highest percentage of respondents, 34.2 percent, saying there was a problem.

Gilbert acknowledged that because of the “sheer volume” of development and construction happening in the city there is going to be an increase in traffic, especially as drivers seek alternate routes, sometimes cutting through neighborhoods and other roads that were never meant to sustain the type of traffic they are now experiencing. He used the example of Cowesett Road, connecting Route 2 to Post Road. He said without a shoulder and being very hilly that road was never meant to handle the traffic it now sees. He assured that the department is actively trying to reduce accidents and redirecting traffic safely.

Theft and burglary were another source of concern, with 18 percent of surveyors saying it was “very much a problem.” Gilbert gave a few tips to homeowners if they are concerned. To curb the threat of theft he said homeowners could increase outdoor lighting, a security system and have a fence around their residence. The most effective thing, he said, would be to “establish good communication throughout your neighborhood. so if they notice anything unusual happening they can contact us.”

He said monthly crime meetings are held to track patterns so the department can be proactive and act accordingly, but these trends change annually and even monthly.

Gilbert said, “We always welcome feedback and we would like to see more. We take these surveys very seriously and we work to improve every day.”

To view the report visit www.warwickpd.org.