CUPD is launching a new way to foster community engagement and gain feedback from those who call for help.

Starting this fall semester, community members who speak with a 911 dispatcher and receive service from a police officer, residential service officer or community safety official can expect to receive a text with a short survey asking about their experience. 

The police department will use the feedback to improve communication, response and community engagement and will provide feedback to officers themselves. 

Four short survey questions ask about the call-taking process and the service delivery. Survey respondents can provide numerical responses via a text message and can add a short text narrative.  

The satisfaction survey will be launched for lower-level crimes including non-violent crime, property crime, traffic accidents or other service-related calls.

CUPD Deputy Chief Mark Heyart said the new text-based survey tool will greatly improve the feedback loop. “In the past, surveys were sent by mail. This method will allow us to more quickly gauge community satisfaction, respond to needs and also provide engagement information to our officers and staff,” Heyart said.  

“Officers, RSOs and CSOs who respond on-scene will let community members know to expect a survey via text, and explain that feedback is important and appreciated,” Heyart added.