UNE School of Social Work assists Portland Police in survey of public perceptions of crime and safety

The University of New England's School of Social Work is partnering with the Portland Police Department in conducting an online survey of Portland residents to gauge public perceptions of crime and overall safety throughout the city.  

Thomas Chalmers McLaughlin, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, and Karen Compton '14, a graduate student in social work, have assisted with formulating the survey questions and have agreed to host and provide analysis of the results. The online survey was launched May 20th.

The Portland Police Department states that its "mission includes maintaining a safe city by working in partnership with the community. This survey allows us to reach out to the people that matter most and learn how we are doing. Information gathered will be used to help guide the department in our crime reduction efforts, community policing initiatives, and ways to strengthen relationships within the community."

McLaughlin explains that he and Compton are working with Assistant Chief of Police Vern Malloch on the development, deployment and then the analysis of the results of the survey and the final report.

Compton adds that once the data is collected from the site in about two weeks, she and McLaughlin will start analyzing it. "We will be comparing the community data with crime data collected by the police department. We will also take a look at what perceptions the community may have regarding the police force and if these perceptions are different based on the specific neighborhoods people reside in."

Compton is the School of Social Work's 2013 Charlene Rydell Macro Scholarship Award recipient.

The Portland Police in a press release said "We thank the University of New England, School of Social Work, and Dr. Thomas McLaughlin. ...Without their assistance the survey would not be possible. UNE’s ongoing support and contribution to our city is greatly appreciated."

The survey received extensive local media coverage. Read a Portland Press Herald story and watch a WCSH6 video.