Survey seeks input on public safety issues
SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff's Office is commissioning a telephone survey to help it dial in public safety services as the county grows.
"We want community input to help guide us in the investments we're making in public safety services," said Sheriff Elaine Savage. "We really want to know what areas of public safety our citizens are most concerned about, how satisfied they are with the services as they are being delivered now, and what opinions they have regarding future public safety services."
A total of 350 residents will be selected at random to take part in the survey, which is being conducted by a private firm. The firm hopes to capture a demographic cross-section of the community.
People should start receiving calls mid-April. Residents will be asked a series of questions to gauge public opinion on a variety of public safety-related issues.
The survey should take only a few minutes of people's time and those conducting the calls will not seek any personal information.
"We know people are concerned nowadays about identity theft issues so we want to assure people that the only types of personal information they will be asked will be their age and how long you've lived in Bonner County. That is so we can adequately segment the responses. The rest of the questions are related to opinions about public safety services," Savage said.
The survey is part of the office's long-range planning effort and sheriff's officials intend to use the feedback to aid in the shaping that plan and making budget decisions.
The sheriff's office plans to receive the survey results by the end of this month or in the beginning of the next. At least one public meeting is planned to share the results and would provide another opportunity for people to give input.
"We really hope people will take the time to participate. It is important to us to understand what the taxpayers are feeling about their investment in the way we are currently providing law enforcement services and any changes we can make to better serve our customers," said Savage.