HS Police Department conducts online survey of community

The Hot Springs Police Department started an online survey Friday that will continue through Oct. 23 to solicit feedback from the community for use in developing a strategic plan.

“As we build our strategic plan for the police department, an important part of the process is for us to solicit feedback from our community,” Police

Chief Chris Chapmond said in a news release. “By hearing the current sentiments of our citizens, we will be able to better develop a community-centric approach to public safety.”

The survey, at http://www.cityhs. net/police-survey, consists of 16 questions and will take only a few minutes to complete. It is being administered by JPJ Consulting of Little Rock and will be completely anonymous, as individual responses will not be available to police.

“All data will be aggregated, and honest answers will lead to the best policy development,” the release said.

“I want to encourage all Hot Springs residents to complete this Hot Springs Police Department Sentiment Survey,” City Manager Bill Burrough said in the release. “I could not be more proud of the work being done by our police department leadership and all the officers and staff. This year has been especially challenging for the HSPD with the loss of Officer Brent Scrimshire, as well as the pandemic, yet they are coming out of it stronger and even closer to our community.”

Chapmond, who assumed the role of police chief on July 1 met with residents at two recent town hall meetings in Districts 1 and 2, where he addressed area concerns, public perception about safety and the role of police in the community.

Participants provided answers to a series of questions on preprinted note cards, and the information served as talking points for Chapmond during the meetings.