Public Counter Service Review - Portobello Residents Survey Responses

# Q1: Do you agree that local, accessible policing is important? Q2: Do you believe it is important to speak to the Police face to face or are happy to use the 101 nonemergency number? Face to Face, means fewer misunderstandings. Q3: Do you support the proposed changes to Portobello Police Station? Q4: Please use this space to pass on any other thoughts you may have on this issue:

Yes. Local identity and presence is important to local effective policing and improved cultures. Yes. Absolutely necessary for the well-being of the community.

I didnt realise what the current hours were but my concern is that by eroding the houses fewer callers will go. I would only support change which makes things better however this is not the case here. No

The police station is a safe place for people to go in a crisis.

I always prefer to have the option of a face to face contact instead of an anonymous number to call. I want to speak directly to a person.

The public need to feel safe especially when out and about in the evening and that requires adequate policing. There has been an increase in burglaries in Pitville St recently which the police were actively involved in helping with. Dont think police are out on the main Portobello High Street, Too many men (young and old) standing about. I feel safer knowinh that our station is on the High Street and feel so sad about cutbacks. In an emergency, god knows how long it will take to get to you? Its bad enough now!

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes I do

I would prefer to talk face to face with the piolice.

No. I feel it should stay open!

6 7

Yes Yes

Yes, Not Happy. Face to Face Important!

No No

Yes

Yes

No

Portobello is a family area with a cross section of ages and needs therefore a police station is an essential part of that community. Its bad enough waiting for police to respond when you report any incidents so it would be worse if you were not able to walk into the police station. The presence of a local police station makes people feel secure and supportive of crime prevention, where as centralised policing is distanced from the community it claims to serve.

Yes

Speak to Police Face to Face

No

10

Of course. It is important for effective crime prevention as it encourages communication and a beneficial relationship between community and police. Yes Yes, I do as part of the community policing children need to learn to respect the police and learn that they are there to help and advise.

Speaking to the Police face to face is a far more effective way of communication. Using the 101 number could be abused or an inadequate way of communicating a complaint. Yes Yes it is better on a face to face basis especially for the elderly. This may change of course as the younger generation have a different outlook and thoughts.

No. Reducing services or closing police stations will increase incidents of crime and make people feel distanced from the police which may lead to them being unco-operative. No No. Although for some time it has been working on a part time basis a presence was there!

11 12

What happens when you need to hand in documents to the police if there is no local station. Not everyone has a car and the elderly would find it difficult. Some rules/standards need to be published so that people can adhere to them.

13

Yes

Yes, sometimes it is necessary to speak face to face especially if you are upset.

No

I think it is important to have access to the police at the police station during the evening. Probably we are more aware of crime in the evening graffiti, damage to parked cars and property, fighting, sometimes caused by drunkenness (also domestic violence). If hours have to be cut, better to be in the morning or afternoon, than the evening. Vandalism. Will just get worse as there are problems at the moment. We are pensioners and we want to be safe. Portobello has many visitors so the need for police presence is very important. The evening is a very necessary time for police presence as it is the high time for burglary and anti-social behaviour. I hope there is plenty of views on this. Police presence is the most effective to measure in the prevention of petty mindless futile crime

14 15 16

Yes Yes Yes

Speak Face to Face is important. Face to Face Yes, as there are several levels of policing between emergency and nonemergency

Absolutely Not. No No

17 18

Very important, if not essential. Yes

Face to Face whenever possible Police should be visible and accessible

I am sad about any of the proposed changes. No

19

Absolutely

Face to face is preferable.

No, I do not support the changes.

Part of the reason I, and my family, have moved to Portobello is the family-friendly nature of much of the town, and the security a local police station offers. At the very least it's entirely bemusing for the proposed hours to be cut from the evening - I would imagine that post-6pm is probably when the local police service would need to be accessed most. N/A

20

Face to face in certain situations.

No. Late night policing is vital in relation to teenage drinking on the beach, No Face to face where possible

No

21 22

Yes Yes

No No especially given the influx of people into the area in the summer, often late into the evening. In the summer a lot of drinking takes place on the beach. Most of it does not create problems but sometimes there are problems. If local police cannot respond to these problems immediately when they arise, violence could escalate.

23

Yes. Portobello's beach attracts large numbers of people, particularly in the summer, and crowds of young people in the evenings. The police presence in the centre of Portobello acts as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour in Portobello.

I'm probably happy to use the 101 non-emergency number for non-emergencies. But the responsibility for keeping our communities safe lies with the police, and particularly their presence in the community not a telephone away.

No. I would prefer operational hours that reflect the increased anti-social behaviour on the weekends. So, perhaps, 8midnight on Fridays, 11 midnight on Saturdays and Sundays, and the proposed change for the rest of the week.

The proposed change doesn't reflect any thought into the dynamics of anti-social behaviour. The police should not be viewed as having business hours. The police should have a presence in our communities that acts as an incentive for good social behaviour. Anyone who has been into Portobello's parks first thing in the morning will agree that we could do with more police on the street and fewer in the station. I have reported the broken bottles in Brighton Park, the rubbish on the street, and the debris in Portobello park to local authorities but nothing is ever done. A policeman walking the beat would serve to improve our streets.

24

Yes

Face to Face

NO it should operate from 7am to midnight

The Police should be seen to be visible on the streets.

25

Yes - strongly agree.

Yes - strongly agree.

No - strongly disagree

I would strongly prefer the Portobello Police station to retain its existing operational hours. However, as a compromise, if it's necessary to achieve cost savings then retain existion operational hours only during the summer months when there is an influx of visitors and increase in anti-social behavour when the weather is warm and the days are long. compared

26 27

Yes Yes, but not necessarily 7am midnight. 8am-6pm perfectly acceptable as long as 999 emergency and 101 nonemergency operate. I do agree that local, accessible policing is important.

Prefer to talk face to face Happy to use 101.

No. Yes I hope the money saved by reducing the opening hours of the police station will be used to put more men on the beat best way for public to get face to face with the police. It is a fact that people feel safer knowing their police station is open and reassuring, seeing them on the High Street, especially the good community policing we had for many years. Reducing things to save money can have unintended consequences.

28

It is very important to speak to Police face to face.

Definitely not.

29

Yes

I have never used 101. If it enables you to speak to a police officer it would probably be satisfactory. If it leads to a press 1 for this, press 2 for that type of number then probably not.

Presumably research has shown that most activity at the station occurs during the proposed hrs of 8am 6pm.

30

Yes

I feel it is most important to be able to speak face to face with someone. Face to Face The 101 number is ok for general enquires but useless for anything else. Face to Face contact is very important when reporting crime or requiring reassurance. Face to Face is important Prefer Face to Face

No

If we do not have access to a Police Station what are we supposed to do when needing help which does not require a 999 call. Proposed change would lead to a poorer service. In my view the proposals for local police stations in Edinburgh reflect a movement away from local community based policing. Not unexpected given the centralisation and control from Strathclyde.

31 32

Yes Definitely Yes, very important

No No not in any way.

33 34

Yes Yes++!

No to closure No In the Evenings there is an icnrweasing opresence of teen whilst currently not a major problem I believe this could deteriorate if there is no police presence.

35 36

Yes I believe local accessible policing is essential. The people of Great Britain are policed by common consent - If you take away the constructive relationship, their consent will break down.

Both

Yes Portobello/Joppa is a community that requires regular contact with the officers who police the area. It will run the risk of reverting to the misery of the 80s (needles on the beach/entire area run down) without effective policing.

Face to Face/ reasonable NO response times to call. Any/and youth anti-social behaviour needs to be addressed quickly in Portobello

37

Yes

In difficult situations face to face is much better.

No

Having no police presence in Portobello in the evenings would have a detrimental effect on the security of the community.

38 39

Yes Yes

Yes Yes

No No I have been a victim of crime more than once in 4.5 years living in Portobello, most recently my motorcycle was stolen, raced up the prom and burnt out causing danger to the community. Nobody has ever been caught for any of the crimes against my propertyless police = more crime. We have enough crime alreadyPlease no more.

40 41 42 43

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Either, depending on the urgency Face to Face Yes Personally not too bothered but if issue needs local understanding then people should have familiar faces/local knowledge officers. Which wouldnt happen with 101 number.

No, 7am to midnight would be more suitable. No No No

44

Very Much. I was attacked a few years ago in Portobello. The police force from Howdenhall responded to the incident. Yes.

I havent had many issues to deal with but I do believe a face to face response is paramount. Important to have face to face.

Definitely Not!

My example should be used to deter cuts. The culprit has never been caught, although they have a photograph from bus surveillance of him. Local community policing is a critical component of a fluid busy local community with many young children especially in my own road, where many children play and cycle to school safely. Concern over response times and an increase in crime/incidents as I feel having a fully operational police station in Portobello can act as a deterrent.

45

No.

46

Yes

Important to have a presence and to be able to speak face to face.

No, there are a lot of pubs in Portobello and I feel taking away police presence after 6pm will increase incidents. Definitely Not No! Police cant build community relations and resolve/solve incident crimes as easily when they dont know the people or area. No No

47 48

Very Important Yes I think particulary during the summer months when the beach area is packed having a local police who understand the local issues is important. Yes Yes

Yes Face to Face communities are living places and a phone number and a policeman in an office does not build community relations. Yes Face to Face, no using 101 phone number. Happy to use 101 Number.

How do police get to know their communities. Portobello is a high density area the face to face police service is needed. Happy to give more feedback.

49 50

It is very unlikely that we would want a face to face service from the local police station. More important that a policemen is available to come to the scene.

51

Yes

I would rather speak face to face

Absolutely not

It is imperative to retain the police station as it is to engender a sense of security, community involvement and social cohesion for safety reasons and as a deterrent. We are all senior citizens in this area, I had to phone the police a few weeks ago and the service was superb. They looked after me very well, it was a rented house, I am 84 years of age, and need security.

52

Yes

Face to Face

No

53 54

Yes Very Important I do agree it is important to have a police presence locally

Prefer to speak to face to face If you are upset by something happening to you it can be different to speak to someone on the phone especially for people of my generation (I am 74) and older people. It is much easier to speak to some me face to face. Face to Face Speak to Face to Face

No I would prefer the hours to be from 8am to 9pm. I have always found the police to be prompt and helpful when I have needed them and may hope that the proposed changes do not change that.

55 56

Yes Yes Very

Not at all Would prefer it at its usual times. Portobello feels a safer place with police station without changes, leave it alone.

57

I definitely do, especially in Portobello which is a tourist attraction, the population has risen, school children, use the high street as a caf. Sainsburys has opened and a Lidl is due to open. Shoplifting will increase and write to Police presence minor crimes will grow to serious crime and activities, as the residents of Portobello will fear that they will be targeted by gangs if they speak out. Yes Yes

The 101 calls mean absolutely nothing minor crimes like social abuse/shop lifting, petty crimes are and there been ignored over the last year as there are not enough police to deal with. Here what means these people go on to do more serious crimes as they hear the residents and police are unable to deal with them.

No the rapport that the people had with the community police has been eroded because of the cuts to the police, etc. No neighbourhood watch meetings no proper policing of the community.

It is ridiculous that with the crime rate rising in Scotland. The police force has been cut so radically. The police in the front line must be very disheartened by these measures and can not do a good job if manpower and resources are being cut continually. Crime is rising, ask Mr MacAskill MSP. There is no police presence police have been taken out the area.

58 59

Face to Face Prefer Face to Face

No No Police presence must be more visible. Patrols if possible especially where older people live.

60 61 62

Yes Yes Yes

Important to Speak Face to Face Speak Face to Face Speaking to a policeman directly means something will be done. Face to Face Face to Face

No No No No police stations to be shut. The police station should be a stable and accessible heart of the community.

63 64

Yes Yes

No No To reduce hours at station is a disaster as sometimes response is very poor. I think it is very important to maintain a visible police presence in Portobello, with a staffed police staff.

65

Yes

Face to Face

No

66

Yes. Just knowing there is help nearby especially if a person is elderly and living alone. If we close the stations where to we take lost property to, a purse or keys, etc? Yes

Non emergency? What does that means elderly alone and get intruders in their home or worse. Ok we will get back to you but theres a queue. So you will have to wait but we will try for today sometime. Face to Face

8am 6pm then were on our own! Sorry shops closed Oh this is a Monday holiday Sorry!

Does this mneans that the Bobby on the Beat we will no longer see? Its always a cofort to see them around walking the streets too. Is that to be cut out too?

67

No

Portobello needs. Local police station closure would only bring trouble to us.

68 69 70 71

Yes Yes Crucial for a safe community Yes, I do. Very much so.

Face to Face I would prefer to speak to someone face to face Theres a place for both Speaking to the police face to face is very important. By far the better option.

No No No I would prefer to see longer opening hours. No I do not! We (Portobello residents) are trying very hard to keep Portobello vibrant. The shopkeepers frontage, litter control, etc. These all help to make it a focal point and a police station on the high street I believe is necessary (and comforting)! Our street is quiet at the moment but with so many flats let out to young people it has not always been peaceful. It is very important that Portobello has its own police station to have to phone Dalkeith is rubbish.

72

Very important

Its always better to speak to a police officer face to face

Not really as we have had problems at 2.30am and police were needed. No

73

Yes

Yes Face to Face

74

Yes

Yes it is important to speak face to face to the policeemergency numbers usually have options to choose from.

No

I have just become a widow. Two days ago I had a police woman in taking a survey about community policing now you are offering 101. I found it very comforting talking to her and I have seen her around in the street, no one wants a faceless police forces. Thats what 101 is. It is very important to have a local station. You say at present, Portobello Police Station is open 7am midnight Nonsense! In fact it is very often shut during the day for whatever reason. When phoning the Portobello number, the calls are answered at Fettes. So your information is faulty. I hope community policing will not be affected. They cant be worse, they are invisible. Please keep our station open.

75 76

Yes Yes

Sometimes Face to Face Contact

No No

77

Yes I think the police station is very important to the area.

Yes I prefer speaking to the police face to face and I feel happier if I could call for them quickly. Yes

No I do not. I feel safer when it is open, especially if I am out at night. No

78

Yes

We need more not less in this day and age, until the law gets tougher on all who continue to break it! They should leave things as they are.

79

Yes

I would want to speak to the police face to face.

No

80

Very much so

Speak to police face to face

No

I feel you need police down at the beach especially in the summer months as there is a lot of young people who take alcohol and are very noisy and get out of hand. Portobellos population has increased greatly over the years and I think thats all the more reason to keep our police station open all hours. We need the police to be seen and be able to call on them when we require them. Friday and Saturday nights have become quite concerning. The noises from the street can be very alarming (screaming, shouting, etc) one is unsure how to react. The presence of the police station cand officers help ensure certain situations do not go too much out of control. I think it is stupid to even think about closing it, after they have spent so much of taxpayers money doing it up. You also feel safer knowing it is there. Stations should be kept open to deal with problems in their local area.

81

Yes Very much so!

Speaking face to face is more satisfying than speaking on the phone.

No

82

Yes

Yes

No

83

Yes Gives reassurance to local residents and visitors.

Urgent matters need immediate contacts (face to face)

No The reassurance of the Police station is very much appreciated and gives sense of security.

84

Yes

I would prefer to speak face to face if I needed to.

No I dont.

85

Yes

Yes

No

86

Yes, but that could be provided by 101, depending on the nature of any problem.

Happy to use 101. Presumably if a call requires a face to fae conversation, that would be arranged. Using 101 removes the need to go to the police station. Yes Face to Face I prefer to speak to the police face to face. It is far better for building a genuine, trusting relationship.

Yes, if more people could instead use 101 (para 3 overleaf) and if the changed are well advertised, so that people dont go after hours and get upset. No No, I do not support the proposal that Portobello Police Station has restricted opening times.

101 could be speeded up, Ive been told that if it takes too long to be connected. Email connection could also be useful?

87 88

Yes Yes, I agree that it is highly important

It is the evenings that the most call for a police presence is needed. E.g. On the promenade, etc. Evenings are times when working people can access the police station. The higher profile that the police have in an area like Portobello the better. I will be less likely to feel it is okay for my daughter to be out on these dark nights. Her safety is paramount to me and the police station gives a feeling of security. Ive lived in this house for 26 years. Ive seen the results in terms of increased anti-social behaviour when police presence decreases. This would be a highly retrograde step. Station is only partially open as it is. The whole new system stinks.

89

It is vital that local, accessible policing is available, especially for those of us with teenage children who are out and about in the evenings. It gives a feeling of security that any trouble may be nipped in the bud. I agree entirely it is hugely important to the area.

A police presence is preferable both for those seeking assistance and to deter those who may be up to something. I think that people will be less likely to make that phone call in case they are fobbed off. Phone numbers/lines are useful, but no real substitute for face-to-face interaction.

No. Portobello is a large town with a record of break-ins and a lot of kids out at night. There could be more trouble and the criminal element may think they are less likely to be caught red-handed. No.

90

91

Yes.

Face to face. I am still waiting for a response from a 101 call that I made 4 weeks ago.

No.

92

Of course I find it important. Accessible police station is essential for safety of Portobello community.

Of course it is. I feel more comfortable to deal with police face to face rather than on the phone.

No! I want to keep Portobello Police Station opening hours the way they are now.

Portobello Community over the years made a huge effort to make Portobello safer, friendlier district. This transition from dodgy police with a bad reputation to nice, welcoming and safe one can be easily destroyed by not reasonable changes such as shortening opening hours of Portobello Police Station. I spent a few years in the forces myself, and took part in firefighting on 3 occasions and have worked with police and firemen and I dont think people realise what they really do of course they would be missed.

93

Policing is always an important factor in any community, and will always be needed.

Yes, speaking openly to the police is the way forward.

No I dont! Like (others) in the area you miss seeing the police going about their duties on a daily basis.

94

Yes.

Prefer to speak to the police, not happy to use 101 number. Ive heard stories that it is hard to get through. Yes, I think it is important to speak face to face if needed. Yes, it is better face to face.

No.

95 96

Yes. Yes.

No. No. Once again changes seem to have advantages for the criminally minded rather than the law abiding.

97

This is a ridiculously leading question. Who is ever going to answer no.

It depends entirely on the circumstances of course!! Im content to call in a lost bicycle and then follow up face to face but I would feel differently about an assault. Its important that face to face is available for sensitive matters or for especially vulnerable people. Yes Face to face communication has given great comfort and relief in my case. I want this to continue.

I dont know enough about them. What was the spread of the 675 enquiries and could the available hours be matched with the majority of those? E.g. 10am to 8pm. I expect to see flexibility in both supply and demand of the service. No No. If resource priorities require some changes it should not be of this drastic order.

The police station should have its front doors open when it Is actually open to demonstrate accessibility and community support. One time I called by to report a fire in the local park and was told to telephone an issue in. This did not feel like community policing. To see more police in the area. Enclosed a letter detailing personal experiences using the local police station, including their good work in dealing with a series of thefts in a nursing home in the 1980s and in a break-in to Mr Turners home. I have deep concern that an erosion of the high quality of service Ive found so re-assuring will inevitably follow the proposed level of hours reduction and very strongly support the case for a rethink Why after all these years in Portobello? If there is a commitment to building and operating in communities then community policing should be at the heart of this. Policing is proactive as well as reactive. I hope they dont close our station as we all rely n them.

98 99

Yes It is highly important.

100 Yes 101 Yes, vital.

Yes, face to face. Both are appropriate in different circumstances. Face to face should always be possible. Yes

No. No, we need a local centre for policing.

102 Yes, of course.

No I dont.

103 Very important. This should allow for quicker response times if police officers are in the community. Also, police visibility/presence is important for deterring crime and increasing community confidence.

I would much rather prefer to discuss a situation face to face. Officers are more likely to assess how stressful or the impact of the situation is on an individual. Also, a lot of older (vulnerable) disabled people are unable to convey their message over a phone, cant hear, and cant understand or have no confidence. Could lead to a reduction of reported crime. It is much, much better to speak to someone face to face. I had to use 101 once and it was hopeless. It depends on the circumstances. Telephoning or calling into the local station needs to be available option, particularly for older people or those in a vulnerable position. Again, time may be an important factor in diffusing or deescalating a situation. The ethos of policing is based on face to face communication with the public. It can only be so.

No. I live near the beach and a lot of fights/disputes arise from alcohol. Therefore much more likely to occur early or late evening. Quick police response is vutal to diffuse or intervene.

8-6pm is a normal working day for an office, so why not a police force?

104 Of course it is. We need a contact close at hand.

No

We see very little police presence in this area now, so if under the new proposals I should think it will be a lot less. Income tax is the most equitable way for society to pay for local and national services. Why are politicians so frightened of arguing for increases where necessary?

105 Absolutely. We need local police officers who know the area, the characters, the potential hotspots. Local police officers who can make a timely and knowledgeable intervention are more likely to deal with an incident efficiently.

No. I dont think they should cut any hours at our police station but if they have to it makes more sense to cut the morning hours. Most crime and antisocial behaviour occurs at night.

106 Fundamentally important.

Portobello police station and its We are very proud of our police force has always been the best station. in the country, and should be commended and rewarded for its superb work.

107 Yes. I and my husband come into the elderly section of Portobello he has lived in Portobello all his life and has saw what police in attendance means, summer and winter. 108 Yes 109 Most certainly

I would miss being able to speak to the bobbies.

No.

I wish to thank you for making this appeal on my behalf.

Yes

No

Feel safe with as it is at all times. Dark nights now in it is not safe. Please note Musselburgh station was closed, Portobello had to help out. Leith police has been curtailed. Those too Portobello has to help out. Enough is enough!

Must be able to speak to police No! That has been done vis--vis. earlier.

110 Yes 111 Very, very important.

Face to face, yes I want to have face to face contact with the police if I have a problem.

No No way! I am 72 years old. I dont like the youths of mixed races and countries hanging about the high street. I no longer go out in the evenings, which is quite sad.

112 Yes

Yes, but as it is impossible to see into the future. The requirement for policing might be urgent. Face-to-face. No Perhaps letter wardens should be on duty on Portobello high street when Portobello Secondary have their lunchbreak.

113 Yes

114 Yes, very much. Only the last week has police answered my call out, as somebody who was ringing my door at all times. They came again and reassured me they would help. I am 93 and this was essential, I am alarmed as it is attached to the police, I would be vulnerable without them. 115 Yes 116 Yes

Happy with their response to my call of 101. And always so helpful. The ringing of my door bell happened inspite of being alarmed byt they came down as well as it was 2am and 5am at night.

The Edinburgh Council are ridiculous to take away police support even by a few! We need their protection as today its vital. So much crime is present on the streets at nighttime.

We all need the police help all times, especially the elderly. They have been such an assurance for me living alone and are so willing so why should they not be supported by the council.

Face to face Face to face

No No I think evening accessibility is necessary, especially when it is busy in summer.

116 Yes 117 It is very important as you then have lots of local experience that is knowledgeable and is far more reliable and efficient than any of the so called modern ideas which seem to be mainly based on savings instead of supplying a superior service to the customers.

I use both, but prefer face to face I believe it is extremely important to speak to the police face to face as you then have a contact so that you dont waste time in future having to relate all the facts again. Some weeks ago, I called the police as an offence was about to be committed, I still await to hear from the police. I am happy to phone 999/101 but a police station that people are not always able to access is confusing and frustrating and perhaps even dangerous.

No I definitely do not. This is another of these so called modern ideas, like for example call centres in India, which will only lead to poorer standards of service and frustration for the public/customers as they grow annoyed at wasteage of their time.

118 A visual presence of police on the beat is more important. I am unsure what issues are handled in the police station building.

No, I would prefer that police stations are open 24/7 or not at all. 8am til 6pm means incidents at night are not easy to report/handle.

Having lived in Portobello for eight years now, the behaviour and attitude on the prom is much improved. Well done!

119 Very important

Face to face so far they have done a good job.

No, too busy at night.

I was recently at a Silver Wedding in the 226 Club. My grandson insisted on walking me home, all streetlights were out and I was too scared to walk past the Three Monkeys. The rumours are that Portobello police station is closing and being sold and Wetherspoons are opening another pub. More police on the streets to give folk more sense of security. I think its important that Portobello is staffed by policemen who can be seen, and not at the end of a phone. It would be nic if we would see them walking the streets. On working for the police for 18 years as a support worker, I know that they do a great job, and as support workers are being phased out the burden of this work falls on the police. As we are 83 years old we feel safe with our local police station. No more police walking the beat. We need assurance that there will be somebody on hand to deal with our problems.

120 Yes

Face to face is better than 101. No. Availability should be 24/7.

121 Yes

I like to speak face to face

No

122 Yes 123 Of course it is there is nothing better than having the police on your doorstep.

Yes, No. Of course it is better to speak to a human being rather than speaking to a programmed machine.

No No on talking to police lately they have an overloaded jobs list. So making their hours shorter, the workload would increase. No. We need a police station as there is so much crime today.

124 Definitely, 100% 125 Without any doubt

Face to face A definite yes

126 Yes, it is vital.

As a Portobello resident of over 40 years, I would be most unhappy to only have a 101 number to contact.

No.

Listen to local residents who need a local police presence Portobello is used by people from all over the city, for recreation, for visiting, but it also attracts unsavoury members of our society. Many vulnerable people who may most likely be victims of crime will be less able/likely to use the phone number when they need someone to speak to. Its also more of an effort for older people. I know this survey wont really effect the decision about whether to close the station or not, but I do think police stations bring about a sense of stability and responsiveness to a community. This will be missed with only a 101 number.

127 Yes

Very important to speak face to No! face. People will be less likely to report a crime if they have to use the phone

128 Yes it creates a sense of community and civic duty.

I am happy to use the 101 number but its important to also have a police base in our community. Many times I prefer just to pop in as I feel face to face is more effective and dealt with swifter. We should be able to speak to the police at public counter service. Yes I understand that it costs 15p to phone 101? Face to face. 101 nonemergency number is a good backup, but not sufficient on its own.

No, reduce the hours its open if necessary but closing it will have a negative impact on the community and sends the wrong message.

129 Yes, I do agree.

No, I dont. We really need to There is always trouble of some have the police station manned sort on Portobello High Street, at all times. especially in the evenings. No It is important to me as a registered blind person that the station remains. Portobello is a good place to live but not without problems and perhaps the reason, or one of them, for the fairly safe nature of Portie has been its central police presence.

130 Yes

131 Yes

No

132 Yes

Yes

No

It leaves a lot to be desired to be able to have the police when you most need them. I think it is vital to keep our police stations open and able to, if need be, access one to one contact. When this diminishes you would begin to feel insecure and unsafe. I have already sent in Save our Stations to Edinburgh Evening News.

133 Yes

Yes

No

134 Yes

Very happy have already used 101 and found it very efficient I would prefer to see human beings policing our community, answering face to face and providing assurance to the residents of Portobello. I think the 101 number is a good enhancement to existing services. Important to speak to the police face-to-face.

Yes doesnt mean we are not policed. No

135 Yes

136 Very much so.

No

This, to me, will mean that teenagers and others will run riot along the promenade, jumping and shouting as before. This has been curbed considerably, also urinating late at night. Our police stations are important to us

137 Yes

Both

No

138 Yes

Depends on the circumstances

No

I feel in this area that longer hours are better, as a lot of visiting people are using the beach and funfair and having access in the evening to the police station is important. Police are not much help when you go in with a complaint.

139 Yes 140 Yes 141 Yes 142 Yes

Yes Face to Face Face to Face Either Speak to the police face to face

No No No No

We need a police station in Portobello. There was an incident when a young man was assorted in Portobello, and when he tried to get access to the police station, it was closed, or to change hours, if it is closed altogether, it could be worse.

143 Yes 144 Very much so, especially the community policing. A friendly face and some you can to the, e.g. an intruder in my house, so I could go straight to the police when the trail was fresh.

Face to Face 101 is faceless and does not inspire and confidence. Not happy to use 101. The person at the other end is not local to the area. Police on the ground are familiar with Portobello, and the people as a whole. Also, the crime prevention officer is needed a lot to give advice on house safety and security.

No No! Absolutely not! The very presence of local police is a deterrent to any wrongdoer. Also they can piece together any bad patterns of behaviour by a particular person or persons. Local policing is an absolute necessity in Portobello.

145 Yes

Prefer face to face if possible

Would prefer that Portobello Police Station be retained.

A Local police presence is the essence of crime prevention - a police force remote is not really any force at all. Portobello has changed dramatically in the last 10 years re: drugs, break-ins, etc. It is so important to keep our police station, their presence is so needed. It makes a difference when you know that someone, like the police, is there to listen to you.

146 Yes

To Speak Face to Face

No

147 Of course it is

I would like to speak to someone in the office face to face.

No. There has been trouble with local gangs of teenagers. When I complained at the station the community police sorted it out. No I dont support the changes. Reducing police opening hours would be extremely detrimental. No!!

148 Yes, essential part of our community

Would much prefer to have a face to face meeting.

Would like to see more officers on the beat. So that our community can benefit from closer involvement not reduction of office hours. Everywhere is facing cuts, I work in NHS as a nurse. I have seen staffing cut to dangerous levels and care cannot be given. If the proposed cuts go ahead, this will be the same. The hours should remain to assist the public. I think the police should be accessible at all times.

149 Very important, its a must.

It depends on the situation, but mostly I would prefer face to face of individual contact.

150 Yes 151 Yes

No Yes

No No

152 Yes

Definitely face to face, I am in No my 80s and find it much easier to deal with someone I can see and ask for information Yes. Although I have had to use 101 and the call was dealt with promptly and efficiently. Would you prefer to speak to someone face to face rather than on the phone. No, indeed I do not.

Two years ago this area was quite troubled by gathering of gangs but the police were on hand and able to stop the trouble before it got started. Its a disgrace whats happening, there is a definite need for the police in Portobello. I am astounded these reductions are being considered. In the same post, there was a letter from Kenny MacAskill about concerns in the community following a spate of breakins and recent anti-social behaviour! We should not be reducing service hours or closing police stations.

153 Very important

154 Yes

No

155 Yes

While I can see the merits of the 101 service, it is very limited. The reassurance and confidence of talking direct to the police is always preferable. On some occasions I think one should be able to speak in person. I would rather speak face to face Yes

No. It is clear to me the physical presence of the police station, especially after 6pm is an important deterrent to local crime. No It is already only open at certain times os I cannot imagine what reduced hours will bring. I believe if these proposals go ahead it will lead to disturbances especially at night. Main doors at Portobello Police Station on the High Street too often closed.

156 Yes

157 Yes

No

158 Yes

No

159 Without Doubt

It depends on the circumstances, but if it were serious then face to face is more important It is important for people to be able to speak to a police person and for the police to be accessible

No, particularly as most serious crime needs attention by police locally after 6pm. No, the prom needs to be political in the evening and during the night a local service would be much better for this. I think crime will increase in Portobello if the station is closed or evening and night hours cut I would imagine that most crimes take place in the evenings, so therefore I think that a local police station, protection much needed services is important.

160 Yes very important

161 Yes, definitely

If there were any issues, I No, I would much rather a would much rather speak counter service was accessible directly to the Police. Also, in to the public as it is presently. the past, I have returned from walking the dog on the beach and rescued a lost dog. The police were happy to assist, the lost dog, in Portobello Police Station,. Presuming that the non emergency numbers means lost property, etc, this is fair but would still prefer to speak face to face given the choice. Face to face is preferable I dont imagine that crime stops at 6pm, also people feel more vulnerable on the streets when its darker. No, I do not support the changes.

162 Very Much So

163 Absolutely.

Part of the reason I, and my family, have moved to Portobello is the family-friendly nature of much of the town, and the security a local police station offers. At the very least it's entirely bemusing for the proposed hours to be cut from the evening - I would imagine that post-6pm is probably when the local police service would need to be accessed most...

164 Yes

Face to face

No

I strongly believe a local presence is essential to support local policing If these young people (in Section 1) are aware of the restricted times then they will make use of freedom to cause vandalism which we have already suffered. We in Portobello PARTICULARLY require a local police station open in the evening. We are REALLY concerned with the recent increase in criminal activity. Having had a knowledge of Portobello for over 40 years - I have seen and heard of the advantages of having a diligent police presence - especially as we have a close presence to very active stations.

165 Yes - it is vital due to regular periodical influx of troublesome young people from outside Portobello area. Also regular house break-ins are occurring. 166 Absolutely

Happy to use 101 number - but there have been occasions to use 999 for fast response. Also better deterrent to see police on regular beat. I think, if possible, it is important to speak to the Police face to face

No - as the young people (in Section 1) mainly come around in the evenings and at weekends. NO

167 Yes

It is important to have face to face police representation in Portobello, especially during holiday periods because we have an influx of tourists/visitors. I also believe Portobello is a safer community due to the visual impact of Police rounds. Face to face is always better, should it move to the 101 number then we no longer have a community police presence. And what about those who don't have phones, are they relegated to second class citizens?

No. Often incidents occur after 6pm in our community.

168 It's vital for a safe and secure community.

Maybe I'm being overly cynical but from my perspective it will remove the police and access to the police from a force that is in the heart of the community to something on the fringes.

I appreciate that in an age of slender budgets harsh decisions have to be made by the Police and that no matter what they do it's impossible for them to keep everyone happy. From the perspective of a member of the public any form of withdrawal by the Police will send a very negative message.

169 yes people need that reassurance that the police are there when we need them

yes I would want to talk to police face to face

no I do not support the changes. not having the station open after 6pm is crazy considering we have a lot of pubs and trouble is more likely to happen between 6pm and midnight I don't want the hours reduced. I think there is validity & added security to the community in keeping the existing opening hours. No Portobello is a diverse community with many rapid changes. The police need to be accessible to be able to cope with understand and adapt to the changing needs of this large community. Having been burgled in the past I would feel much more confident knowing that I could contact someone near at hand. The lack of police presence in Portobello has been a worry for some years now. In that time I have become older & feel more & more vulnerable therefore I welcome the sight of one or two beat policemen. Besides they cannot stay fit & interested sitting in cars & offices. Let them do the job they were engaged for. I feel a lot of services seem to bypass or are being reduced in Portobello and this is another instance.

170 yes

I prefer face to face

171 Yes

ability to speak to someone is more satisfactory

172 Yes. Since Portobello station has been closing their doors it would appear that things have gone downhill.

I am sure in certain cases it is better to have a face to face consultation but 101 is important too. Does it have to be one or the other?

These hours imply that crimes happen between 8am - 6pm and I doubt that very much especially in the winter months when darkness is an asset to a thief. NO I do not support the proposed changes.

173 Yes

Dont know anything about 101 service. In any case I always prefer to speak to someone, especially when upset if reporting a crime.

No I dont support these measures.

174 yes

i would be happy using the 101 yes number if it worked Generally happy to use the non-emergency number I would prefer it to be open longer but if the hours are to be reduced 8-6 is probably reasonable. I would hope that during particularly busy times that it would be open later (such as during warm days in the summer when the population of the area can increase massively).

it is more important to see a police presence on the streets than to have a counter staffed. While I appreciate the reasons for the reduction in hours, I do have a few reservations. My main concern would be that the police station currently being open later could be a preventative presence - I hope that the earlier closing time doesn't result in people committing crimes which an open station might have put them off doing. As mentioned above, there are periods where there are a lot more people in the area - I would hope for there to be increased opening hours during these periods. I would also hope that there will still be a visible police presence in the area after 6pm, again particularly during periods where there are increased numbers of people in the area. If a reduction in hours is required then the station should be closed during the day and maintain presence in the evening, particularly at weekends. Not in favour of being reduced to a telephone service after 6.00pm. Given how many call centres services are now based offshore there is no guarantee that this wouldn't also happen in time.

175 yes

176 Yes

Face to Face

No

177 Yes

Prefer to speak to the Police face-to-face. It provides an important point of contact for the community.

No - many issues happen outwith 'office hours' and being able to speak with a person face to face is much more preferable & reassuring.

178 Very

I Feel face to face contact is very important

No

There is already a perceived increase in petty crime in Portobello, our family alone having suffered from a burglary and a bike theft in the last 6 months. To reduce the Police presence in Portobello further would only give a green light to the criminals. I strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce the hours. I realise that policing has changed over the years and I'm old enough to remember the policeman in 'The Tardis' boxes but this was when no-one had phones or cars, however I really do believe in community policing as it gives a feeling of security to the people of that community and surely that's worth it's weight in gold.

179 Local accessible policing is very important as it creates and maintains a bond between the police and the community they serve.

Sometimes it's enough to be able to speak to your local police officers. I have always had to hand the local police station number. It's a long time since I have used it and on checking it now I find that I'm put through to 101(recorded voice) and can no longer phone direct to the station. Disappointing but a sign of the times. At least it's not the dreaded 0844 0845 0870 or 0871 no's which should be banned as a huge con! Unfortunately the government is one of the worst offenders so no good complaining to them!! Is 101a free call? To speak face to face

No I don't support the proposed changes as I feel that Portobello, being the 'seaside' area of Edinburgh attracts a great influx of visitors. I feel at least the summer months (May-Sept) require a police presence much later than 18.00 hrs.

180 Yes

No

181 Yes

Yes

No

I feel that a full and accurate survey has not taken place.Two weeks is no time to judge annual activity There may be more activity at the counter at different times of the day and also at different times of the year. Finally, I must confess that I wasn't aware of the 101 number! Perhaps a survey should be taken on this. As a Portobello resident all my life, I think it is important that the Police Station is manned for as long as practicable during each day. Portobello is a seaside town with the obvious influx of strangers. Policing is therefore very important, Because Portobello has unique amenities and is easy to access in the Edinburgh and Lothians area it is a magnet for young people and their frequent negative interactions with their peers and the community. This requires a prompt Police response.

182 Yes, absolutely

I would much prefer to have the confidence of being able to speak face to face Yes

No

183 Yes

No

184 Yes

I want to speak to the Police directly

No

185 Access to the police is vital to keep local neighbourhood communities feeling safe and confident in their day to day business. Local businesses, residents and visitors should all be able to access the Police when they have to. Its not till you need to speak to a policeman that you notice there is no-one around, then its too late!

In some cases using the 101 to contact the Police is acceptable, I understand when budgets are tight, a call center is ideal. But there will always be instances where a face to face interview with a Police person is the best solution. Missing children, or adults you want to know the Police are just round the corner and instantly there to help. In the Summer when there are lots of visitors to the beach, a Police presence is vital to maintain the feel good factor of safety and security for all members of the public visiting for the day. Its lovely to see the Police on their bikes on the Promenade on a busy summers day speaking to the public. Would prefer face to face

I think Portobello Police Station opening times should not be reduced, we need the Police to be on site and ready to react to any local problem. Summer sunshine increases the population on a daily basis, to know there is someone in the Station in Porty just makes you feel a bit more secure and confident if anything should happen, there will be a quick response.

186 Yes, very important

Not at all

Older folk like myself feel more secure to have a police station nearby and open It is vital that this police station is not closed. It has been in the heart of the community for a long time and it's loss would compound the problems Portobello has been experiencing with anti-social behaviour and the rise in house break ins.

187 Yes

Happy to use 101 if only they would pass on a message correctly

No

188 Yes it is reassuring to know that there are local police stations available at various areas in Edinburgh. As a member of the public, I feel more confident and safer in knowing there is a police station not far from where I live.

I'm sure the non-emergency 101 number has its benefits and uses, but being able to speak to the Police face to face is a very good way of instilling confidence in the public since they are reassured that they have immediate access to a member of the police force if they ever have the need for their assistance.

I believe that the very nature of policing means that more "normal" operating hours do not apply. If I am returning a lost wallet, then the hours of 8am to 6pm seem sufficient. However, if I am walking home at night through Portobello, I would feel more reassured and safer knowing my local police station was open. The physical availability of the police force might help deter any potential local crime / vandalism / harrassment / anti social behaviour etc. Troublemakers know the police are not far and the public know this too.

I really think it is important not to lose the local presence of the police. It is vital for the public to feel that the police are available for them and that they are a part of their community. A police station isn't an ordinary business operation to work from 8am-6pm. We especially value their presence in the later hours of the night. I gratefully acknowledge the effort put in by all members of the police force. A lot of their good work might go unnoticed but their selfless efforts are vital to keep Edinburgh a reasonably safe city.