Vancouver Police Community Policing Assessment Report · Business Survey Results 2015 NRG Research Group April 11, 2016 . VPD Community Policing Report – Survey of Businesses Page

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Vancouver Police Community Policing Assessment Report Business Survey Results

2015 NRG Research Group

www.nrgresearchgroup.com April 11, 2016

Page | 2 VPD Community Policing Report – Survey of Businesses

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

SURVEY OBJECTIVES 9

SURVEY METHOD & DATA ANALYSIS 10

DETAILED SURVEY RESULTS 11

4.1 Perceptions of the Vancouver Police Department 11

4.1.1 OVERALL SATISFACTION 12

4.1.2 EVALUATION OF ASPECTS OF VPD SERVICE 14

4.1.3 PERCEIVED QUALITIES OF THE VPD 20

4.1.4 CONTACT WITH THE VPD 22

4.2 Perceptions of Safety and Crime 25

4.2.1 PERCEPTIONS OF BUSINESS NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY 26

4.2.2 PERCEPTIONS OF CRIME IN THE CITY 31

4.3 Experience with Crime 34

4.3.1 EXPERIENCE WITH CRIME 35

4.3.2 REPORTING THE CRIME 37

4.4 Community Participation 38

4.4.1 PARTICIPATION IN A VPD-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE BUSINESS 39

4.4.2 IMPORTANCE OF VARIOUS VPD PROGRAMS TO BUSINESS MANAGERS AND OWNERS 40

4.4.3 INFORMING THE PUBLIC 42

4.4.4 SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE VPD 44

4.4.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING SERVICE IN THE BUSINESS NEIGHBOURHOOD 48

4.4.6 CONTACT WITH A NON-POLICE AGENCY 49

4.5 Demographics – Business Profile 50

4.5.1 INDUSTRY 51

4.5.2 BUSINESS SIZE 52

4.5.3 HISTORY OF OPERATION 53

APPENDIX – SURVEY INSTRUMENT 55

Executive Summary – Survey of Businesses

Overall Satisfaction with the Vancouver Police Department

In all, nine in ten (89%) business owners and/or managers were very or somewhat satisfied with the service provided by the VPD in

2015. This is fairly consistent with satisfaction ratings in 2014 and 2013.

By District, the highest overall ratings were seen in District 4 (95%), followed by District 3 (90%). Ratings were also fairly strong in

District 1 (84%) and District 2 (86%).

Satisfaction with the service provided by the VPD was based on the department’s quick response to businesses (21%), followed by

the general perception that the VPD was doing a good job (18%). Neutral or negative comments were typically from those with little

or no contact with VPD (17%) and those who consider the police response ineffective (7%) or slow (6%).

Responsiveness, Meeting Safety Needs, and Addressing Street Disorder

Perceptions of the VPD’s ability to meet the business community’s safety needs, respond quickly to emergency situations, and

address street disorder remained generally positive in 2015, though each score decreased slightly but not significantly from 2014.

The proportion of businesses who gave good to excellent ratings (4 and 5 out of 5) for meeting the business community’s safety

needs dropped five points to 72%. Positive ratings for responding to emergency situations quickly (73%, down four points) and

addressing street disorder (65%, down two points) also decreased slightly but non-significantly in 2015 compared to 2014 results.

Time Devoted to Addressing Crime Problems

In general, theft remained the area where business owners and managers felt the VPD currently spends enough time. Nearly two-

thirds (64%) thought the VPD spends enough time addressing thefts of vehicles, while 57% believed the police were devoting

sufficient time to the problem of theft from vehicles. Roughly one-half each believed that enough time was devoted to theft from

businesses (52%) and theft from homes (49%).

The crime-related areas that were seen by business managers as priorities where the VPD should spend more time were

consistent with previous years. Gangs (58%), sexual crimes (57%), youth violence (57%), problem drivers (55%), crimes targeting

seniors (52%), and violent crime (52%) make up the top six areas where business owners and managers felt more time should be

spent.

A


Impressions of the VPD on Key Reputation Dimensions

Business owners and managers evaluated the VPD on seven attributes that reflect key dimensions of the VPD’s service.

Consistent with 2014 results, more than eight in ten business owners and managers Citywide perceived the VPD to be professional

(81%), while more than seven in ten consider the VPD to be trustworthy (79%), respectful (79%), knowledgeable (77%), and fair

(72%). More than two-thirds each would describe the VPD as visible (69%) or accountable (67%).

Of note, there continues to be a positive trend in the proportion rating the VPD as accountable, which is up four points from 2014

and also represents a statistically significant increase of seven points from 2013 results.

Contact with the VPD

Roughly four in ten (41%) business owners and managers Citywide had contact with the VPD in the 12 months preceding the 2015

survey.

Nine in ten (90%) of those who had contact with the VPD Citywide were very or somewhat satisfied with the service received,

identical to 2013 and 2014 results. There were slight but not significant changes at the District level between 2014 and 2015.

As in 2014, the business managers who were satisfied with the VPD’s service were most likely to mention the quick response and

service by the police (38%) as a key reason for satisfaction. Other common themes for satisfaction include the caring or

helpfulness of officers (14%), as well as a general sense that the VPD were doing a good job (12%).

Perceptions of Safety

Consistent with 2014 results, more than six in ten (64%) business owners and managers felt the neighbourhood in which their

business was located was safe relative to other neighbourhoods in the City. Safe ratings in District 4 (82%) continue to be

significantly higher than in other Districts, while District 2 continues to have the lowest proportion of safe ratings (29%). Notably, the

percentage of District 3 business managers who said that their business was in a safe neighbourhood increased significantly from

2014 ratings (57% versus 43%).

More than one-third (36%) of those who felt their business neighbourhoods were safe compared with other neighbourhoods

mentioned the low crime rate in the area. Ten percent indicated that their neighbourhood was quiet, leading to the perception of

relative safety.

Concerns with drug-related activities (15%) and property theft and break-ins (11%) were the most frequently mentioned reasons for

considering a business’ neighbourhood less safe than other neighbourhoods.


Perceptions of Violent Crime and Property Crime in the Business Neighbourhood

Consistent with 2014 results, more than three-quarters (77%) of business managers Citywide said the level of violent crime in their

neighbourhood had remained the same in the year preceding the survey. Fewer than one in ten (9%) reported that the level of

violent crime in their neighbourhood had increased, while a similar proportion (8%) believed that violent crime had decreased.

Compared to those in other Districts, business owners and managers in District 3 (17%) were the most likely to say that violent

crime had decreased in the past 12 months in their neighbourhood, especially compared with District 1 (5%) and District 4 (6%).

When asked about the levels of property crime in their business’ neighbourhood, nearly three-quarters (73%) of business owners

and managers Citywide said that property crime rates had stayed about the same in the 12 months preceding the survey, an

increase of five points from 2014. Fifteen percent believed that property crime rates had increased, while roughly half that

proportion (7%) felt that rates had decreased, representing a significant drop of six points from 2014. District 1 (5%, down ten

points) and District 4 (5%, down eight points) each saw a significant decrease from 2014 in the proportion of business managers

who believed that the level of property crime had decreased in their neighbourhood.

As in previous years, break and enters were by far considered to be the most important crime-related problem on a neighbourhood

level, mentioned by more than four in ten (43%) business owners and managers Citywide.

Perceptions of Violent Crime and Property Crime in the City

More than six in ten (61%) business owners and managers Citywide indicated that violent crime levels stayed about the same in

the City of Vancouver in the 12 months prior to the survey, a significant increase of nine points from 2014. One in ten (10%) thought

that violent crime in the City had decreased, which represents a significant decrease of eleven points from 2014. Nearly one-

quarter (23%) thought that violent crime had increased, consistent with previous years.

As in previous years, the proportion of business owners and managers in 2015 who said that the levels of violent crime increased

across the City was much higher than the proportion who said there was an increase in violent crime within their own

neighbourhood (23% versus 9% respectively). This once again points to a perceptual disconnect between what business owners

and managers see in their own neighbourhoods and what they perceive as happening in the rest of the City.

As in 2014, business owners and managers were fairly likely to say these rates had stayed the same over the past twelve months

in the City as a whole (62%). In 2015, nearly one-quarter (24%) indicated that property crimes in the City had increased, a notable

change of five points from 2014 (19%).

Drugs (21%) and break and enter thefts (21%) were seen as the most important crime-related problems in the City by business

owners and managers. Gang activity (14%) was also commonly mentioned as an important crime problem in the City.


Experiences with Crime at the Business

More than one in five business owners and managers (22%) indicated that a crime had occurred at their workplace in the 12

months prior to the survey, which is a notable but not statistically significant two point increase from results in the previous three

years.

There were no significant year-over-year changes in the proportions of businesses who had experienced crime in each District.

Those in District 2 (27%) and District 3 (27%) were more likely than those in District 4 (17%) to say that their business had

experienced crime in the past year.

Almost one-half (48%) of business owners or managers who had a crime occur at their business said the crime was against the

business itself. A similar proportion (44%) indicated that the crime was against a staff member. Consistent with previous years, the

majority (78%) of these crimes experienced by businesses were property crimes, as opposed to violent crimes.

Overall, two-thirds (67%) of these crimes were reported to police in 2015, which is a non-significant decrease of five points from

2014.

Key reasons for not reporting a crime to the police include perceptions that the incident was not serious enough as well as concern

that the police could not do anything about the crime.

Importance of Crime Reduction Programs and Services

Similar to previous years’ results, a very small proportion (3%) of business owners and managers said that they or their staff

participated in a program or received training in any of the crime reduction programs sponsored by the VPD.

Business owners and managers also rated the importance of 11 different VPD programs and services. The programs perceived to

be the most important overall were Victim Services (92%), the DTES Foot Patrols (91%), and Community Policing Centres (90%).

The Granville Entertainment District Street Closures (63%), Beach Patrol (65%), and ConAir Program (66%) were perceived to be

the least important programs from business owners’ and managers' points of view. That said, awareness of the ConAir program

remains lower than for other VPD programs and services (with Sister Watch being the only other program with similarly limited

awareness) which may limit the ratings of this program as important.


Keeping the Public Informed

Businesses’ ratings of the VPD's performance on generating news stories informing the public generally remained consistent with

previous years on the subjects of major arrests, drug crackdowns, crime prevention, and crime reduction.

Citywide, business owners and managers indicated that the VPD was best at communicating information about major arrests (63%

gave a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5) followed by the other three subject areas with positive ratings between 44% and 49%. Of note,

District 3 continues to have the most positive ratings across each topic compared with any other District, especially District 2.

Business owners and managers were also asked which of nine media sources they used for information regarding the VPD in the

previous 12 months. As seen throughout previous years, the top media sources were television (44%), followed by radio (41%) and

the Vancouver Sun newspaper (41%).

Portrayal of VPD in the Media

Roughly one-half (51%) of business owners and managers gave positive ratings (that is, 4 or 5 out of 5) to the portrayal of VPD in

the local media, down four points (but not statistically significant) from 2014 results. As in 2014, 15% felt that the media portrayed

the VPD in a ‘very positive’ manner.

Use and Satisfaction with the VPD Website

Two in ten (21%) business managers or owners Citywide have ever visited the VPD website. As in previous years, two-thirds

(67%) visited the website for general information. Forty-three percent used the VPD website for crime reporting purposes; roughly

three in ten each were looking for crime prevention tips (31%) or visited for current news on the public affairs page (29%).

More than seven in ten (73%) business owners or managers who visited the VPD website evaluated it favourably (giving a rating of

4 or 5 out of 5) which is a notable but not statistically significant eight point decrease from 2014. On the other hand, only 4% said

they were dissatisfied with the website.


Most Common Recommendation from Businesses to Improve Service

Consistent with historical results, the most frequent suggestion that business managers gave for improving service was to increase

the visibility of police in the neighbourhood (32%). Increased police visibility was mentioned four times as often as the next most

frequently suggested improvement (to increase communication and awareness, mentioned by 8%).

Three in ten (31%) business owners and managers did not have suggestions for improving service in their neighbourhoods.


Survey Objectives

The objectives of this survey, which was previously conducted biannually from 2004 to 2008 and now annually (starting in 2009)

were to:

Assess, among business owners and managers, perceptions of crime and feelings of safety in each of the four VPD Patrol

Districts.

Determine the prevalence of criminal victimization at businesses and the extent to which crimes are reported to the police.

Assess perceptions of VPD officers and the extent to which businesses see officers actively working to stop crime problems.

Assess awareness of VPD policing and crime-reduction initiatives.

Assess overall satisfaction with the services provided by the VPD.

Solicit recommendations regarding how VPD can improve policing services for businesses.

B


Survey Method & Data Analysis A similar survey was conducted in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. To maintain consistency across

waves of the survey, the same method was employed in 2015 as in previous years. Starting in 2009, the survey has been

conducted annually; the 2015 survey is nearly identical to that used in 2014. Results are reported from 2012 to 2015, where

applicable.

Details of sampling frame and strategies implemented to ensure representativeness of the sample are outlined below:

The sampling frame for this survey was comprised of all businesses located within the VPD Patrol District boundaries.

Businesses were randomly selected from each of the four Patrol Districts.

Only owners or managers of the business were interviewed.

To ensure reliable samples were collected in each Patrol District, 100 interviews were conducted in each District.

Results were weighted based on the number of businesses in each District to ensure that the aggregate sample reflected the

business distribution across the Districts.

This survey contained approximately 80 questions and took an average of 18 minutes to complete. In total, 412 surveys were

completed between November 3rd and November 23rd, 2015.

The Citywide results have a margin of error of +/- 4.9% at the 95% level of confidence1. This margin of error assumes a 50/50

distribution on a dichotomous question. In most cases, the margin of error will be smaller than the maximum margin of error,

because the distribution will be further from a 50/50 split.

Statistical significance testing is used to analyze the difference in results between Districts and between years. Differences that are

statistically significant are not likely to occur by chance at a certain level of probability (usually 95%). Where applicable, we noted in

the report the results that are significantly different between Districts or have changed over time.

C


1 i.e., if the same sample were collected 20 times, 19 times the value would fall within the observed result plus or minus the margin of error.

Perceptions of the Vancouver Police Department

4.1

D Detailed Survey Results


4.1.1 OVERALL SATISFACTION

Nine in ten business owners and/or managers

(89%) were satisfied with the service provided by

the VPD. This is consistent with satisfaction in

2013 and 2014.

There continues to be a positive trend in

satisfaction since 2012 in District 4, with a

significant increase in satisfaction to 95% in 2015.

District 4 (95%) has the highest satisfaction rating

of all four Districts, especially compared with

Districts 1 (84%) and 2 (86%).

To understand the key sources of satisfaction and

dissatisfaction with the VPD services, we asked

business managers why they rated the service as

they did. Responses were recorded verbatim, then

content-coded into the categories on the slide that

follows.


Note: Don’t know/Refused is not shown in the charts above.

46%

43%

5%

3%

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Q1A. Overall, how satisfied are you with the service provided by the VPD? (Citywide, 2015)

78% 87% 90% 89%

19% 7% 6% 7%

2012 2013 2014 2015

Citywide

Satisfied respondents

Dissatisfied respondents

72% 90% 92% 84%

25% 6% 6% 12%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 1

78% 85% 88% 86%

21% 8% 9% 9%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 2

78% 87% 92% 90%

17% 11% 7% 7%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 3 85% 86% 87%

95%

12% 6% 5% 3%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 4

The primary reasons for

satisfaction with the VPD

were quick response and

service (21%) and a general

sense of the police doing a

good job (18%). Business

managers in District 2 were

significantly more likely to

indicate the police are visible

compared with managers in

Districts 1 and 4.

Meanwhile, the primary

reason for being dissatisfied

is that there was little or no

contact with the VPD,

followed to a lesser extent by

the police being ineffective

(7%) and slow response and

service (6%). Business

managers in District 4 (22%)

were significantly more likely

to mention there was little or

no contact with the VPD

compared with those in

District 2 (9%).

Reasons for Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction

Base: All participants (n=412).

Values circled are significantly different from the squared values in the same row at a

95% confidence interval.

Note: Responses mentioned by less than 2% of all participants not shown.


Positive Comments Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

QUICK RESPONSE/ SERVICE 21% 16% 20% 26% 24%

DOING A GOOD JOB/ I AM SATISFIED 18% 17% 11% 14% 24%

CARING/ HELPFUL 7% 6% 9% 8% 6%

LOW CRIME AREA/ VANCOUVER IS SAFE 4% 4% -- 4% 7%

ARE VISIBLE/ PATROL A LOT 4% 3% 10% 5% 3%

COURTEOUS 3% 3% 4% 5% 2%

ISSUE RESOLVED 2% 2% 3% 2% 2%

Negative Comments Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

NO CONTACT/ LITTLE INTERACTION WITH POLICE 17% 17% 9% 17% 22%

POLICE INEFFECTIVE/ RESPONSE INEFFECTIVE 7% 6% 6% 5% 8%

SLOW RESPONSE/ SERVICE 6% 7% 7% 4% 6%

NOT ENOUGH POLICE PRESENCE/ NEED MORE STAFF

4% 4% 4% 6% 3%

SHOULD FOCUS ON HOMELESSNESS/ DRUG USE VIOLENCE

2% 3% 3% 1% 1%

ISSUE NOT SOLVED 2% 2% 1% 2% 2%

Perceptions of the VPD’s ability to respond quickly, meet the business community’s safety needs, and address street

disorder have decreased slightly in 2015 but generally remained positive. There were no significant year-over-year changes

in these perceptions since 2014.

4.1.2 EVALUATION OF ASPECTS OF VPD SERVICE

4.1.2.1 Evaluation of Responsiveness, Meeting Safety Needs, and Addressing Street Disorder


2% 2% 2% 5% 5% 7% 6% 10% 3% 3% 6% 7% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2% 1%

1% 2% 4% 3% 2%

3% 5% 4% 3% 2% 4% 4%

3% 6% 6%

7% 5% 18% 15% 15%

18% 14%

14% 13% 13% 21%

24% 17% 22%

37% 42% 40% 32% 34%

37% 34% 32%

41% 42%

40% 39%

40% 35% 37% 39% 44% 37% 42% 41%

27% 22% 27% 25%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015

Meeting your business community's safety needs

Responding to emergency situations quickly Addressing street disorder

Q2. How do you rate the Vancouver Police Department in terms of…? (Citywide)

5. Excellent

4.

3.

2.

1. Poor

DK/Refused

Looking at the perceptions of the VPD’s ability to respond to emergencies quickly, the proportion of business owners and managers

who positively rated the VPD’s ability to respond to emergencies quickly decreased slightly, but not significantly, in 2015 in District 1.

District 2 was the only District to see an increase in positive ratings in 2015, although changes were not significant.

The VPD’s ability to meet the business community’s safety needs generally remained consistent with 2014 results. District 1 showed

a non-significant decrease of twelve points, while District 2 had a non-significant decrease of ten points since 2014.


79% 76% 79% 69% 75% 73% 73%

81% 83% 69%

83% 79% 77% 72% 73% 70%

2% 3% 5% 3% 8% 5% 6% 1% 4% 8% 2% 5% 1% 8% 5% 6%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

Responding to Emergencies Quickly

Positive ratings (4, 5) Negative ratings (1, 2)

77% 77% 77% 65%

73% 73% 73% 63%

78% 72% 76% 78% 78% 81% 78% 80%

3% 3% 6% 5% 6% 7% 12% 5% 6% 12% 5% 8% 2% 7% 4% 5%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015


Meeting Business Community's Safety Needs


Business owners’ and managers’ perceptions of VPD’s ability to address street disorder have generally decreased (though non-

significantly at a 95% confidence interval) across Districts 1, 2, and 3.


66% 66% 62% 61% 64% 55%

66% 55%

66% 60%

72% 65%

72% 67% 70% 72%

8% 10% 14% 9% 9% 12% 12% 10% 9% 11% 6% 8% 7% 7% 6% 4%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015


Addressing Street Disorder


Nearly two-thirds of business owners and managers (64%) believed the police were devoting sufficient time to the problem of theft of

vehicles, while 57% felt the police were devoting enough time to theft from vehicles. Roughly half believed enough time was devoted to

theft from businesses (52%) and theft from homes (49%).

Consistent with previous years, gangs (58%), youth violence (57%), sexual crimes (57%), problem drivers (55%), and violent crime

(52%) make up the top five areas where business owners and managers felt more time should be spent.

4.1.2.2 Time Devoted to Addressing Various Crime Problems


58% 57% 57% 55% 52% 52% 48%

43% 40% 37% 33%

26% 31% 31% 31%

40% 40% 35%

44% 45% 52% 49%

57% 64%

Q3. Do you think the police should spend more time, the same amount of time, or less time addressing each of the following:

Note: Don’t know/Refused is not shown in the chart below.

Citywide (2015)

Should spend more time Currently spend enough time

As in previous years, theft remains the area where most business owners and managers believed enough time is being spent (be it

theft from homes, from businesses, from vehicles, or of vehicles).

All areas, with the exception of problem drivers and violent crime, saw an increase in the proportion of business managers who

believed the VPD should spend more time addressing. Theft from businesses and homes, crimes targeting seniors, and youth

violence each saw a significant decrease in the proportion who believed enough time was spent addressing these problems.

4.1.2.2 Time Devoted to Addressing Various Crime Problems


33% 30% 33% 38% 38% 39%

43% 42%

59% 60% 61% 66%

31%

36% 34% 41%

42% 41% 45%

47%

58% 60%

65% 69%

32% 36%

42% 47%

39% 40%

46% 48%

61% 65%

62%

70%

31% 31% 31% 35%

40% 40% 44% 45%

49% 52%

57%

64%

Q3. Do you think the police should spend more time, the same amount of time, or less time addressing each of the following:

Citywide

2012 2013 2014 2015

Top seven crime-related problems the VPD should spend more time addressing by District

The crime-related areas that were seen by business managers as priorities for VPD to spend more time were similar across

the four Districts. Violent crimes were among the top three concerns in each District (including categories such as youth

violence and gangs). Sexual crimes were also in the top seven for each District, and were seen as the top crime-related

problem in District 3.


55% 52% 50% 49% 48% 48% 44% 33%

42% 35% 34% 37%

44% 47%

Gangs Problem drivers

Youth violence

Sexual crimes

Crimes targeting seniors

Violent crime

Drug use

District 1 (2015)

Should spend more time Currently spend enough time

64% 64% 58% 56% 55% 53% 52%

26% 27% 32% 39% 38% 43% 43%

Youth violence


Sexual crimes

Violent crime

Gangs Drug use Problem drivers

District 2 (2015)

63% 61% 59% 59% 52% 50% 47%

33% 32% 37% 36% 46%

38% 51%

Sexual crimes

Gangs Violent crime

Youth violence

Drug use Crimes targeting seniors

Problem drivers

District 3 (2015)

64% 62% 62% 58% 53% 52% 48%

32% 26% 26% 29% 34% 38% 42%

Problem drivers

Sexual crimes

Gangs Youth violence


Violent crime

Drug use

District 4 (2015)

4.1.3 PERCEIVED QUALITIES OF THE VPD

Business owners and managers evaluated the VPD on seven attributes that reflect key dimensions of the VPD’s service. In 2015

(as in 2014) all of these qualities received positive ratings (4 or 5 out of 5) from the majority of businesses.

Citywide, more than eight in ten business managers perceived the VPD to be professional (81%), while nearly eight in ten (79%

each) believed the VPD to be respectful and trustworthy. More than three-quarters (77%) perceived the police as being

knowledgeable, while more than seven in ten business owners and managers also believed the VPD to be fair (72%). The lowest

rated attributes are visibility (69%) and accountability (67%).

Of note, there continues to be a positive trend in the proportion rating the VPD as accountable, with a significant increase of seven

points from 2013.


81% 79% 79% 77% 72% 69% 67%

15% 15% 15% 17% 20% 23% 22%

3% 5% 4% 3% 6% 8% 8%

Professional Respectful Trustworthy Knowledgeable Fair Visible Accountable

Q4. How well do the following qualities best describe the Vancouver Police Department? Citywide (2015)

Positive ratings (4 & 5)

Neutral (3)

Negative ratings (1 & 2)


Perceived Qualities of the VPD by District

Businesses in most Districts tended to perceive the VPD primarily as professional, with the exception of District 1 where

business owners and managers rated the VPD primarily as trustworthy.

Those in District 2 tend to give lower ratings overall than those in other Districts. On the other hand, business owners and

managers in District 3 were less likely than those in any other District to rate VPD officers as visible.


Positive ratings (4 & 5) Negative ratings (1 & 2)

83% 81% 79% 78% 74% 72% 69%

4% 4% 6% 3% 6% 8% 9%

District 1 (2015)

83% 78% 77% 76% 75% 67% 61%

2% 4% 5% 4% 7% 8% 8%

District 3 (2015)

80% 77% 71% 70% 69% 64% 62%

5% 7% 8% 5% 4% 6% 13%

District 2 (2015)

81% 80% 80% 80% 72% 69% 67%

3% 5% 3% 5% 6% 9% 6%

District 4 (2015)

Forty-one percent of business managers Citywide had contact with the VPD in the 12 months preceding the 2015 survey,

which is fairly consistent with 2014 results (39%). As in 2014, District 2 (51%) and District 3 (51%) were significantly more

likely to report contact with the VPD than District 4 (34%).

Note: The full text of the question emphasized contact with the VPD directly, not with a 911 dispatcher. The full text of the

question, as it was read to participants in the 2014 survey, was:

This next section will ask some questions about any contact you may have had with the Vancouver Police Department

because of your business. This could include a conversation with a police officer in person or on the phone, a call to the police

non-emergency number or any number of other ways that you may have been in contact with the Vancouver Police

Department.

We are interested here in your contact with the members of the Vancouver Police Department – not contact with a 911

dispatcher or police from other jurisdictions.

4.1.4 CONTACT WITH THE VPD

4.1.4.1 Contact with the VPD


42% 42% 46% 46% 39%

46% 46% 56%

50% 40% 39% 39%

52% 51%

29%

41% 38%

51% 51%

34%

Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

Q5. During the past 12 months, has your business had contact with the Vancouver Police Department? (Citywide)

2012 % 'Yes' 2013 % 'Yes' 2014 % 'Yes' 2015 % 'Yes'

4.1.4.2 Satisfaction with Service Received (Among those who contacted VPD)

Citywide, nine in ten (90%) of the business managers

who had contact with the VPD were satisfied with the

service received. This is consistent with the satisfaction

ratings in 2013 and 2014 (also 90%).

Satisfaction ratings stayed fairly consistent with 2014

across all Districts.

Base: Business managers who had contact with the VPD in the 12 months preceding the survey (n=179 for 2015; n=171 for 2014; n= 192 for 2013; n=173 for 2012).


59%

32%

5%

4%

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Q6A. Overall, how satisfied were you with the service your business received from the Vancouver Police

Department? (Citywide, 2015)

76% 74% 76% 78% 77%

90% 89% 88% 88% 92% 90% 90% 88% 90% 93% 90% 90% 94% 88% 89%

24% 26% 24% 22% 23%

9% 11% 12% 8% 5% 8% 10% 12% 10% 0%

9% 10% 4%

12% 11%

Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

2012 2013 2014 2015

Satisfied respondents Dissatisfied respondents


Base: Business managers who had contact with the VPD in the past 12 months, 2015 n=179.


Values circled are significantly different from the squared values in the same row at a 95% confidence

interval.

Reasons for Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction

The business managers who

were satisfied with the VPD’s

service were most likely to

mention the quick response and

service by the police (38%) as

their reason for satisfaction. Other

common themes for satisfaction

include the caring or helpfulness

of officers (14%), as well as a

general sense that the VPD were

doing a good job (12%). Business

managers in Districts 2 and 4

were significantly more likely to

mention the caring or helpfulness

of officers than managers in in

District 3.

The primary source of

dissatisfaction with VPD contact

was due to feelings that the police

were slow to respond or provide

service (14%). Additional reasons

for dissatisfaction included

perceptions of ineffective police

response (7%) and to a lesser

extent, that the police were not

caring or helpful, and that the

service was insufficient (2%

each). Business managers in

Districts 2 and 3 were

significantly more likely to

mention ineffective police

response than those in Districts 1

and 4.



QUICK RESPONSE/ SERVICE 38% 41% 39% 38% 35%

CARING/ HELPFUL 14% 13% 22% 2% 16%

DOING A GOOD JOB/ I AM SATISFIED 12% 8% 14% 17% 14%

ISSUE RESOLVED 8% 8% 6% 10% 8%

PROFESSIONAL 7% 5% 14% 4% 5%

COURTEOUS 6% 5% 6% 4% 8%

THOROUGH INVESTIGATION 6% 5% - 4% 11%

KNOWLEDGEABLE 4% 10% 4% - -

DEAL WITH PUBLIC CONCERNS 2% 3% - - 3%


SLOW RESPONSE/ SERVICE 14% 18% 8% 17% 11%

POLICE INEFFECTIVE/ RESPONSE INEFFECTIVE 7% 3% 14% 13% 3%

NOT CARING/ NOT HELPFUL 2% 3% - 4% 3%

INSUFFICIENT 2% 3% - 2% 3%

Perceptions of Safety and Crime 4.2


Perceptions of businesses’ neighbourhood safety in

2015 remained generally high. Just under two-thirds

of business managers (64%) felt their business’

neighbourhood is safe relative to other

neighbourhoods in the City.

That said, it is not surprising that some Districts were

perceived to be safer than others, in line with past

years. Safe ratings in District 4 (82%) continue to be

significantly higher than in other Districts, while

District 2 continues to have the lowest proportion of

safe ratings (29%). In 2015, the percentage of District

3 business managers who said that their business

was in a safe neighbourhood (57%) increased

significantly from 2014 ratings (43%).

4.2.1 PERCEPTIONS OF BUSINESS NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY

4.1.2.1 Perceived Level of Safety of the Business’ Neighbourhood


28%

36%

24%

8%

3%

5. One of the safest

4.

3.

2.

1. One of the most dangerous

Q8A. How safe do you feel your business’ neighbourhood is compared to other neighbourhoods

in the City? (Citywide, 2015)

64% 60% 63% 64%

12% 15% 11% 12%

2012 2013 2014 2015

Citywide

Safe neighourhood (4 & 5)

Unsafe neighourhood (1 & 2)

69% 66% 66% 66%

9% 16%

7% 10%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 1

28% 22% 30% 29%

33% 37% 38% 33%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 2

53% 44% 43%

57%

12% 12% 15% 13%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 3

81% 78% 83% 82%

5% 4% 1% 3%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 4


4.1.2.2 Reasons for the Perceived Level of Safety



Values circled are significantly different from the squared values in the same row at a

95% confidence interval.

More than one-third (36%) of those

who felt their business

neighbourhoods were relatively

safe mentioned the lack of criminal

activity in the area. Other common

positive mentions include the

relative quiet and absence of

problems (10%) and police

presence and patrols (5%).

The reasons a neighbourhood was

considered relatively unsafe were

more varied. Concerns regarding

drug-related activities (15%)

continues to be the top reason for

considering a neighbourhood less

safe. Other common negative

comments included property

theft/break-ins (11%), and

homelessness and panhandlers

(9%).

As in 2014, District 2 business

owners and managers were more

likely to mention drug-related

activities as a primary concern

than those in other Districts

(particularly Districts 1 and 4), and

least likely to feel their business is

located in a safe, low crime area.



LOW CRIME AREA/ SAFE 36% 35% 16% 29% 50%

NO PROBLEMS/ QUIET 10% 9% 8% 8% 14%

POLICE PRESENCE/ PATROLS 5% 6% 2% 6% 5%

LOTS OF PEOPLE/ POPULATED AREA 3% 4% 4% 1% 4%


DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITIES 15% 13% 34% 21% 6%

PROPERTY THEFT/ BREAK-INS 11% 12% 11% 15% 9%

HOMELESS/ PANHANDLERS 9% 8% 15% 11% 7%

SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE AROUND 7% 9% 9% 12% 3%

GENERAL FEELINGS OF UNEASE 5% 8% 6% 7% 1%

COULD BE BETTER/MORE POLICE NEEDED 4% 4% 3% 4% 6%

NOT THE SAFEST AREA BUT NOT THE WORST 2% 4% 2% 1% 1%

HIGH CRIME AREA (NON-SPEC) 2% 2% 5% 2% 1%

GANG RELATED ACTIVITY 2% 2% 4% 3% --

VANDALISM 2% 1% 4% 4% --

4.1.2.3 Violent Crime in the Business Neighbourhood

Business owners and managers were asked

about their perceptions of violent and property

crime at the neighbourhood level. These results

are reported in the next two slides.

Generally in line with 2014 results, 77% of

business managers Citywide said the level of

violent crime in their neighbourhood had

remained the same in the year preceding the

survey. Less than one in ten (9%) reported that

the level of violent crime in their neighbourhood

had increased, while 8% believed that violent

crime had decreased.

Business owners and managers in District 3

were significantly more likely to indicate that

violent crime had decreased in their

neighbourhood compared with Districts 1 and 4.


3% 10%

72%

7% 2% 3% 6%

78%

5% 1% 2% 9%

78%

5% 1% 1% 7%

77%

7% 2%

Decreased significantly

Decreased somewhat

Stayed about the same

Increased somewhat

Increased significantly

Q9A. In the past 12 months, would you say the level of violent crime in your business’ neighbourhood has... (Citywide)

2012 % 2013 % 2014 % 2015 %

8% 5% 10%

17% 6%

77% 81% 72% 69%

79%

9% 8% 12% 11% 7%


Decrease of violent crime Same Increase of violent crime


4.1.2.4 Property Crime in the Business Neighbourhood

Business owners and managers were more

likely to indicate that the level of property crime

had increased in their business’ neighbourhood

than they were to say that violent crime had

increased.

Citywide, nearly three-quarters of business

managers (73%) said that property crime in

their neighbourhood had stayed about the

same. Fifteen percent said that property crime

had increased in their neighbourhood, while 7%

said that property crime had decreased.

Business owners and managers were

significantly less likely to believe that property

crime in their neighbourhood had decreased

compared with 2013 and 2014. In particular,

Districts 1 and 4 saw a significant decrease

from 2014 in the proportion of business

managers who believed property crime had

decreased in their neighbourhood.


2%

12%

67%

11%

1% 1% 7%

71%

14%

3% 1%

12%

68%

11% 3% 1%

6%

73%

13%

2%


Decreased somewhat


Increased somewhat


Q9B. In the past 12 months, would you say the level of property crime in your business’ neighbourhood has... (Citywide)

2012 % 2013 % 2014 % 2015 %

7% 5% 11% 12%

5%

73% 76%

65% 68% 76%

15% 15% 20% 17%

12%


Decrease of property crime Same Increase of property crime


4.1.2.5 Most Important Crime-related Problem in the Business Neighbourhood



Values circled are significantly different from the squared values in the same row at a 95%

confidence interval.

Break & enter was the most

frequently mentioned crime-

related problem at the

neighbourhood level,

mentioned by more than four

in ten (43%) of business

owners and managers

Citywide. This has been the

most important crime-related

problem cited by business

managers since 2011, and

saw a significant increase

from 2013 and 2014 in the

proportion of business

managers who considered it

the most important problem.

Business owners and

managers in District 4 were

significantly less likely to

mention drugs in general

than those in other Districts;

those in District 1 were the

most likely to mention theft

from cars as the most

important problem in their

neighbourhood.


Most Important Problem Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

BREAK & ENTER; THAT IS, THEFT FROM A HOUSE OR BUSINESS 43% 42% 39% 34% 49%

DRUGS (NON-SPECIFIC) 8% 12% 11% 10% 2%

THEFT -FROM CARS 5% 9% 1% 4% 3%

VANDALISM 4% 3% 5% 6% 5%

SHOPLIFTING 4% 2% 5% 4% 6%

GRAFFITI 4% 2% 5% 9% 3%

LOITERING/HOMELESSNESS 3% 3% 3% 4% 3%

ROBBERY 2% 1% 3% 3% 2%

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS 2% 1% 1% 1% 3%

THEFT OF BIKES 2% 4% 1% -- --

4.2.2 PERCEPTIONS OF CRIME IN THE CITY

4.2.2.1 Violent Crime in the City

Business owners and managers were next

asked about their perceptions of violent and

property crime at the City level. These results

are reported in the next two slides.

More than six in ten business managers (61%)

indicated that violent crime levels stayed about

the same Citywide in the 12 months prior to the

survey, a significant increase from 2014 (52%).

One in ten (10%) said that violent crime had

decreased, which represents a significant

decrease from 2014 results. Consistent with

2014 results, 23% thought that violent crime had

increased in the City.

As in 2014, the proportion of business managers

Citywide who said that the levels of violent crime

increased across the City was higher than the

proportion who said there was an increase within

their neighbourhood (23% versus 9%). There

continues to be a perceptual disconnect between

what business people saw in their own

neighbourhoods and what they believed was

happening in the rest of the City.

Of note, business managers in District 1 were

significantly more likely to think that violent crime

had stayed the same at the City level (66%) in

comparison with District 3 (52%).


2%

17%

55%

19%

4% 0%

12%

63%

18%

4% 3%

18%

52%

18%

5% <1%

10%

61%

19%

4%


Decreased somewhat


Increased somewhat


Q10A. In the past 12 months, would you say the level of violent crime in the City of Vancouver has... (Citywide)

2012 % 2013 % 2014 % 2015 %

10% 9% 8% 15% 11%

61% 66%

61% 52%

58%

23% 21% 23% 26% 24%


Decrease of violent crime Same Increase of violent crime


4.2.2.2 Property Crime in the City

Consistent with 2014, the majority of business

owners and managers (62%) thought that

property crime had stayed about the same in the

City overall.

The proportion of business managers who felt

the level of property crime had decreased in the

12 months prior to the survey decreased

significantly from 2014 (6% vs. 11%). Just under

one-quarter (24%) of business managers

Citywide felt the level of property crime had

increased.

Of note, District 3 business managers (11%)

were significantly more likely to say property

crime had decreased Citywide compared with

those in District 1 (2%).

Business managers were about as likely to say

property crime rates had decreased in both their

own neighbourhoods (7%) and the City as a

whole (6%). On the other hand, business

managers seemed more likely to say property

crime had increased in the City (24%) compared

with their own neighbourhoods (15%).


1%

10%

63%

17%

3% <1%

11%

66%

15%

2% 1%

10%

62%

16%

3% <1% 5%

62%

20%

4%


Decreased somewhat


Increased somewhat


Q10B. In the past 12 months, would you say the level of property crime in the City of Vancouver has... (Citywide)

2012 % 2013% 2014% 2015%

6% 2% 7% 11%

6%

62% 69%

60% 50%

62%

24% 25% 22% 32%

21%


Decrease of property crime Same Increase of property crime




4.2.2.3 Most Important Crime-related Problem in the City

Drugs (non-specific) and

break & enter/theft from

property were the most

frequently mentioned crime-

related problem at the City

level (21% each) by business

owners and managers,

consistent with 2014 results.

Gang activity was also seen

as an important crime-related

issue facing the City of

Vancouver.

There were no significant

differences between Districts.


Most Important Problem Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

DRUGS (NON-SPECIFIC) 21% 22% 21% 17% 21%

BREAK & ENTER; THAT IS, THEFT FROM A HOUSE OR BUSINESS 21% 17% 24% 18% 25%

GANG ACTIVITY 14% 14% 13% 18% 14%

VIOLENCE/ VIOLENT CRIME 6% 9% 3% 4% 5%

ASSAULTS ON INDIVIDUALS 5% 4% 3% 3% 7%

LOITERING/HOMELESSNESS 3% 2% 5% 2% 4%

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS 3% 5% 3% 2% 1%

Experience with Crime 4.3


The proportion (22%) of business managers Citywide who said that a crime had occurred at their place of work in the 12

months prior to the survey is generally consistent with previous years.

The rate of crime experienced in Districts 2 and 3 (27% each) was higher than that in District 4 (17%), although not at a

95% significance level.

4.3.1 EXPERIENCE WITH CRIME

4.3.1.1 Crime at the Business


20% 24%

30%

19% 13%

20% 19%

29%

22%

15% 20% 20%

28% 24%

16% 22% 24%

27% 27%

17%


Q11. In the past 12 months, have you, or any of your employees been a victim of a crime while at work (e.g., vandalism, theft, or physical assault) in the City of

Vancouver?

% 'Yes' 2012 % 'Yes' 2013 % 'Yes' 2014 % 'Yes' 2015

Base: Business managers who experienced a crime against themselves, their staff or the business in the past 12 months; n=97 for

2015. Note: Don’t know/Refused is not shown in the charts above.

*Caution: District base sizes are small and should be used for directional purposes only

4.3.1.2 Type of Crime

Nearly one-half (48%) of

business managers who

had a crime occur at their

business said the crime

was against the business.

More than four in ten (44%)

reported that the crime was

against a staff member.

Seventy-eight percent of

these crimes were property

crimes (as opposed to

violent crimes).

District 2 businesses were

more likely to have

experienced crimes against

the business than any other

District, though not

significantly. District 1 was

non-significantly more likely

than other Districts to have

experienced crimes against

a customer of the business.

Note that base sizes for

individual Districts are very

small and should be viewed

with caution.


Thinking about the last contact your business had with the Vancouver Police Department…

44%

4%

48%

3%

Q12. Was the crime committed against...? (Citywide, 2015)

A staff member

A business client/ customer

The business

Don't know/ Refused

17%

78%

5%

Q13. Was it... (Citywide, 2015)

Violent crime

Property crime

DK/Refused

48% 33%

41% 50%

8% 4% 4% 0%

44% 59%

52% 44%

20% 22% 11% 11%

76% 70% 85% 83%

District 1* District 2* District 3* District 4*

Against staff Against client Against business Violent crime Property crime

4.3.2 REPORTING THE CRIME

Base: Business managers who experienced a crime against themselves, their staff or the business in the past

12 months; n=97 for 2015.

*Caution: District base sizes are small and should be used for directional purposes only.

Base: Business owners and managers who did not report the crime they experienced while at

work in the past 12 months (n=27); interpret with extreme caution due to small sample size.

Note: Allows multiple responses per participant.

In addition to asking if they had experienced crime

at their business, managers were asked if this crime

had been reported. Overall, two-thirds (67%) of

crimes were reported in 2015, a non-significant

decrease of five points from 2014.

District 1 had the highest rate of reporting, with 72%

of crimes being reported to the VPD, although there

were no significant differences between Districts.

Note that base sizes for individual Districts are very

small and should be viewed with caution.

As in 2014, top reasons given for not reporting

crimes to police include feeling the incident was not

serious enough, and that the police could not do

anything about the situation.


66% 75%

70%

53% 54%

73% 79%

86% 86%

47%

72% 70% 71% 79%

69% 67% 72%

67% 70%

56%

Citywide District 1* District 2* District 3* District 4*

Q14. Was this crime reported to the police?

% 'Yes' 2012 % 'Yes' 2013 % 'Yes' 2014 % 'Yes' 2015

Reasons for not reporting the crime 2015

Incident was not serious enough 42%

Felt that the police could not do anything about it 41%

Nothing was taken/the items were recovered 7%

Not satisfied with police in previous dealings 5%

Community Participation 4.4


Only 3% of managers said that they, or anyone on their staff, had participated in a program or received training sponsored by

the VPD in the past 12 months, in line with previous years. District 3 saw a significant increase in participation (8%), up seven

points from 2014 (1%). The programs that participants were involved in include community awareness programs, police

presentations, the Hastings Sunrise program and Community Policing.

4.4.1 PARTICIPATION IN A VPD-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE BUSINESS


2% 1%

2% 3%

2% 1% 1% 1%

3% 1%

2% 1%

0% 1%

3% 3% 2%

4%

8%

3%


Q16. In the past 12 months, have you, or anyone on your staff, participated in a program or received training for your business sponsored by the VPD?

% 'Yes' 2012 % 'Yes' 2013 % 'Yes' 2014 % 'Yes' 2015

Businesses rated the importance of 11 different VPD programs and services. The programs perceived to be the most important

(based on very and somewhat important combined) were Victim Services (92%), DTES Foot Patrols (91%), and Community

Policing Centres (90%). The ConAir Program (66%), Beach Patrol (65%), and the Granville Entertainment District Street

Closures (63%) were perceived to be the least important programs from business owners/managers' point of view.

The next page shows the perceptions of program importance by District.

4.4.2 IMPORTANCE OF VARIOUS VPD PROGRAMS TO BUSINESS MANAGERS AND OWNERS


4% 4% 4% 6% 3% 6% 4%

20% 24%

4% 10% 3%

2% 3%

8%

11%

3% 3% 4% 5% 7% 7% 8%

3%

8%

22% 15%

17% 15%

34% 30% 38% 35%

38% 23%

28%

42% 38%

76% 76%

57% 58% 51% 50% 46% 53%

37%

23% 26%

J. Victim Services

B. DTES foot patrols

A. Community

Policing centres

I. School Liaison Officers

G. Block Watch

H. Citizen's Crime Watch

C. Bait Car program

K. Sister Watch

D. ConAir program

F. Beach Patrol

E. Granville Street

Closures

Please indicate how important each is to you as a business owner or manager in Vancouver…? (Citywide, 2015)

Very important

Somewhat important

Not very important

Not at all important

Have not heard of / Don't know

92% 91% 90% 89% 88% 85% 85% 76% 66% 65% 63% Total Important

Importance of various VPD programs by Districts


91% 88% 86% 85% 84% 83% 82% 73% 70% 66% 65%

3% 4% 12% 10% 8% 7% 16%

1% 21%

9% 30%

6% 8% 2% 5% 8% 11% 3%

26% 9%

25% 5%

DTES Foot Patrols

Victim Services

Bait Car Program

Citizen's Crime Watch

Community Policing Centres

School Liaison Officers

Block Watch Sister Watch Granville Entertain.

Dist. Closures

ConAir Program

Beach Patrol

District 1

94% 94% 93% 88% 86% 86% 77% 74% 67% 62% 58%

5% 5% 4% 7% 5% 7% 14% 8% 10%

32% 29%

1% 1% 3% 5% 9% 7% 9% 18% 23%

6% 13%


DTES Foot Patrols

Victim Services

Block Watch School Liaison Officers


Bait Car Program

Sister Watch ConAir Program

Beach Patrol Granville Entertain.

Dist. Closures

District 2

96% 96% 96% 94% 94% 87% 87% 85% 67% 63% 63%

2% 3% 3% 4% 5% 9% 11% 4% 16%

34% 32%

2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 4% 2% 11% 17% 3% 5%


Block Watch Victim Services

DTES Foot Patrols



Bait Car Program

Sister Watch ConAir Program

Beach Patrol Granville Entertain.

Dist. Closures

District 3

94% 94% 92% 92% 89% 85% 84% 75% 68% 64% 59%

4% 4% 4% 6% 5% 9% 6% 6% 28%

9% 28%

2% 3% 5% 3% 7% 6% 9% 19%

5% 27%

13%

Victim Services


Block Watch Community Policing Centres

DTES Foot Patrols

Bait Car Program


Sister Watch Beach Patrol ConAir Program

Granville Entertain.

Dist. Closures

District 4

Businesses’ ratings of the VPD's performance on generating news stories informing the public on all topics (major

arrests, crime reduction, drug crackdowns, and crime prevention) remained fairly consistent with 2014.

As in 2014, Vancouver business owners and managers indicated that the VPD was best at generating news stories

about major arrests (63%) trailed by the other three subject areas, each around a 44%-49% positive rating.

4.4.3 INFORMING THE PUBLIC


2% 2% 1% 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 4% 4% 5% 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 1% 2% 4% 3% 3% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 5% 4% 5% 9% 11% 10% 11% 13%

9% 8% 10% 11% 9% 10% 11% 12%

24% 27% 27% 24%

32% 36% 37% 33%

39% 38% 36% 39%

33% 39% 38% 33%

41% 45% 40% 38%

34% 32% 28% 30% 32% 37% 32%

30% 40%

33% 31% 30%

26% 21% 25% 25%

19% 15% 18% 18% 16% 11% 16% 14% 14% 14% 16% 19%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015

Major arrests Drug crackdowns Crime reduction Crime prevention

Q18. On a scale of 1 to 5, where five is excellent and one is poor, how would you rate the job of the VPD at generating news stories informing the public about…? (Citywide)

5. Excellent

4.

3.

2.

1. Poor

DK/Refused

Q18. On a scale of 1 to 5, where five is excellent and one is poor, how would you rate the job of the VPD at generating news stories informing the public about…? (By District)

The District-level results for business ratings of the VPD’s performance on generating news stories informing the public (on the

topics of major arrests, crime reduction, drug crackdowns, and crime prevention) tend to reflect those of the City overall.

District 3 tends to have the most positive ratings of all the Districts for each topic.


Positive ratings (4 & 5) Negative ratings (1 & 2)

60% 50% 50%

39%

11% 15% 15% 8%

Major arrests Crime prevention Drug crackdowns Crime reduction

District 1 (2015)

50% 37% 35% 38%

14% 20% 24%

18%

Major arrests Crime reduction Drug crackdowns Crime prevention

District 2 (2015)

75%

55% 57% 58%

8% 10% 14% 14%

Major arrests Drug crackdowns Crime reduction Crime prevention

District 3 (2015) 67%

49% 48% 47%

10% 14% 17% 13%

Major arrests Crime prevention Drug crackdowns Crime reduction

District 4 (2015)

4.4.4 SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE VPD

4.4.4.1 Sources of Information about the VPD in Past 12 months

Business managers were asked which of nine media sources they used in the previous 12 months for information

regarding the VPD. As in previous years, the top sources of information were TV (44%), followed by radio and the

Vancouver Sun (41% each). Popular secondary sources include the Province (28%), the Globe & Mail (23%),

community newspapers (22%), and neighbourhood association newsletters (22%).

Although newspapers were mentioned as sources of VPD-related information by business managers in all Districts,

there were differences in the specific newspapers by District. Business owners and managers in Districts 3 and 4

referred to the Courier significantly more often than those in District 1.

Base: All participants (n=412)

Note: List was read to participants, who could say “Yes” or “No” to each one.


interval.


Information Source Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

TV 44% 44% 43% 44% 45%

Radio 41% 31% 42% 51% 47%

The Vancouver Sun 41% 45% 34% 44% 39%

The Province 28% 24% 33% 35% 27%

The Globe & Mail 23% 30% 15% 14% 23%

Community Newspaper 22% 17% 31% 26% 22%

Neighbourhood Association newsletter 22% 18% 37% 26% 18%

The Courier Newspaper 20% 13% 19% 30% 25%

The Westender Newspaper 15% 18% 12% 11% 16%

4.4.4.2 Perceptions of How the Media Portrays the VPD

One-half (51%) of businesses

Citywide had either ‘positive’ or ‘very

positive’ impressions of the VPD

based on their portrayal in local

media, which is a decrease of four

percentage points from 2014.

Each District saw a slight, but non-

significant, decrease in positive

perceptions of media coverage since

2014.

There were no significant differences

by District in perceptions of media coverage of the VPD.


15%

37%

44%

4%

Very positive

Positive

Somewhat positive

Not at all positive

Q20. Overall, what impression do you have of the Vancouver Police Department based on local media

coverage? (Citywide, 2015)

51% 52% 50% 48% 52%


Positive / Very positive image (2015)


4.4.4.3 Use and satisfaction with the VPD website

Base: Business managers who visited the VPD website (n=89).

Note: Allows multiple mentions. Responses mentioned by less than 5% of all participants not shown.


interval.

Citywide, the VPD website was

visited by two in ten (21%)

business managers.

Visitation of the VPD website was

highest in District 3 and lowest in

District 4, though this difference is

not statistically significant.

Two-thirds (67%) of business

owners and managers visited the

website for general information.

Forty-three percent used the

website for crime reporting

purposes, while roughly three in

ten searched for crime prevention

tips (31%) and checked out current

news on the public affairs page

(29%).

Businesses in District 3 were

significantly more likely than those

in Districts 1 and 4 to have

searched the site for general

information about the VPD.


24%

34%

19% 21%

17%

27%

33% 29%

23% 21%

25% 21%

31%

23% 27%

21% 22% 21% 24%

19%


Q21. Have you ever visited the Vancouver Police Department website?

% 'Yes' 2012 % 'Yes' 2013 % 'Yes' 2014 % 'Yes' 2015

Information Type Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

General information about the Vancouver Police Department

67% 61% 71% 88% 62%

Crime reporting purposes 43% 39% 52% 54% 38%

Crime prevention tips 31% 30% 19% 38% 33%

To learn about current news on the public affairs page

29% 26% 24% 33% 33%

Contact information 27% 30% 29% 12% 29%

Events/Notifications/Programs 13% 9% 24% 21% 10%

Career information 12% 9% 10% 17% 14%

Base: Business managers who visited the VPD website (n=89 in 2015).

More than seven in ten (73%) of those business managers who visited the VPD website evaluated it favourably,

while 4% were dissatisfied with the website. These results are consistent between Districts.


4% 1% 4% 2% 3%

3% 1%

2%

25% 24%

18%

19%

53%

46%

50%

51%

15% 25% 31%

22%

2012 2013 2014 2015

Q23. On a scale of 1 to 5, where five is high and one is low, how would you rate your overall

satisfaction with the website? (Citywide)

5. Excellent

4.

3.

2.

1. Poor

Don't know/ Refused


Note: Allows multiple mentions.


interval.

Note: Responses mentioned by less than 1% of participants not shown.

As in previous years, the most frequent suggestion that business managers gave for improving service was overwhelmingly to increase

the visibility and presence of the police in the neighbourhood (32%). Increased police presence was mentioned four times as often as the

next most frequently suggested improvement (increase communication and awareness, at 8%).

Three in ten (31%) business managers did not have any suggestions for improving service in their neighbourhoods.

4.4.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING SERVICE IN THE BUSINESS NEIGHBOURHOOD


Suggestions Citywide District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

More visibility/presence 32% 29% 35% 36% 31%

Increase communication/awareness 8% 10% 1% 6% 9%

Better communication/outreach to businesses 6% 7% 5% 2% 7%

Emphasize community policing/ Work closer with community 3% 3% 6% 1% 4%

Do something about poverty/street people 3% 4% 3% 2% 2%

Quicker response time 3% 2% 1% 6% 3%

Train officers for better service/ More courteous/ Better PR 2% 3% 5% 2% -

Doing a good job/ All is great 2% 4% - - 2%

Crack down on break-ins/ Thefts from cars/ Theft of cars 1% 2% 3% - 1%

Hire more police/staff 1% 1% 2% 1% 2%

Get tougher on crime/ Work harder 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%

Deal with traffic related problems 1% - - - 4%

Prioritize crimes/ Improve efficiency 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Base: Business managers who contacted an agency in the

last 12 months (n=42); interpret with caution due to small

sample size.

Note: Responses mentioned by less than 3% of participants

not shown.

4.4.6 CONTACT WITH A NON-POLICE AGENCY

In 2015, more than one in ten (11%) business

owners and managers contacted an organization

other than the police to discuss a crime or nuisance

problem. COV By-law Enforcement was the most

commonly contacted, followed City Hall.

There were no significant differences by District for

contacting an organization other than the police to

discuss a crime or nuisance problem.


% Yes

Q25. In the last 12 months has your business contacted an agency or public official, other than the police, to discuss a crime or nuisance problems, in the City of Vancouver?

7% 7% 9%

11%

2012 2013 2014 2015

Citywide

10% 8%

10%

14%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 1

10% 8%

11% 9%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 2

5% 8%

11% 9%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 3

3% 4% 6%

9%

2012 2013 2014 2015

District 4

Agency contacted 2015

COV By-law Enforcement 15%

City Hall/ Council 9%

Private security 5%

Neighbourhood Associations 3%

COV Graffiti Reports 3%

COV Parks and Recreation 3%

COV Transit/ TransLink 3%

R.C.M.P. 3%

Demographics—Business Profile

4.5


4.5.1 INDUSTRY

Top four industries of business by Districts


24%

12%

10%

8%

7%

6%

6%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

1%

1%

1%

<1%

1%

Wholesale/Distribution/Retail

Health Services

Business services

Hospitality

Personal Services

Construction/Real Estate

Finance/Insurance

Non-profit

Legal

Social Services

Educational

Entertainment/Recreation

Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Mining

Manufacturing

Communications/Utilities

Transportation

Information technology

Research and Development

Other

Q27. In what industry or field of business is your firm primarily involved? (Citywide, 2015)

17%

17%

10%

9%


Business services

Legal

Hospitality

District 1 (2015)

27%

12%

9%

8%


Hospitality

Personal services

Business services

District 2 (2015)

25%

14%

12%

11%


Personal Services

Health Services

Hospitality

District 3 (2015)

29%

24%

8%

6%


Health Services

Personal Services

Business services

District 4 (2015)


4.5.2 BUSINESS SIZE


89%

5%

2%

4%

0-25

26-50

51-100

>100

Q30. How many people does your business employ? (Citywide, 2015)

Mean = 25.5

87%

5%

3%

5%

0-25

26-50

51-100

>100

District 1 (2015)

Mean = 25.4

87%

6%

2%

4%

0-25

26-50

51-100

>100

District 2 (2015)

Mean = 30.4

88%

6%

2%

3%

0-25

26-50

51-100

>100

District 3 (2015)

Mean = 22.1

92%

4%

2%

3%

0-25

26-50

51-100

>100

District 4 (2015)

Mean = 24.9


4.5.3 HISTORY OF OPERATION

4.5.3.1 Number of Years Operating in the City


1%

11%

13%

74%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

Q28. How long has your business been in operation in the City of

Vancouver? (Citywide, 2015)

Mean = 10.5

0%

15%

17%

68%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 1 (2015)

Mean = 10.2

3%

12%

11%

73%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 2 (2015)

Mean = 10.3

1%

13%

12%

73%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 3 (2015)

Mean = 10.4

1%

6%

11%

81%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 4 (2015)

Mean = 10.9


4.5.3.2 Number of Years Operating in the Neighbourhood


2%

4%

18%

16%

60%

Up to one year

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

Q29. How long has your business been in operation in its current

neighbourhood? (Citywide, 2015)

Mean = 9.3

2%

6%

20%

18%

53%

Up to one year

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 1 (2015)

Mean = 8.8

0%

4%

19%

13%

63%

Up to one year

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 2 (2015)

Mean = 9.5

4%

2%

22%

14%

56%

Up to one year

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 3 (2015)

Mean = 9.0

1%

4%

13%

15%

68%

Up to one year

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

District 4 (2015)

Mean = 9.9



E







Documents

Vancouver Police Community Policing Assessment Report · Business Survey Results 2015 NRG Research Group April 11, 2016 . VPD Community Policing Report – Survey of Businesses Page