EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department received overwhelmingly high marks from residents who participated in a Community Evaluation conducted by students at Salve Regina University under the supervision of adjunct professor and former Middletown Police Lieutenant Robert S. Nutt.

EPPD Chief Chris Parella and Prof. Nutt led the City Council through a thorough PowerPoint presentation revealing the results of the survey at the body's January 19 meeting.

According to Prof. Nutt, nearly 400 East Providence citizens responded to all or part of the survey, most of whom have lived in the city for 10 years or more. Fifty-six percent of those who answered were female, 40 percent male and four percent did not provide their sex. A significant majority (69 percent) did not have a child living at home and were 50 years of age or older (78 percent). Only 15 percent of those who took part were between the ages of 25-and-49, 26 percent had children at home.

The goal of the survey was "to create and maintain a pro-active partnership with our residential and business communities in an effort to enhance public safety and reduce the fear and incidence of crime within the City of East Providence. The police department's primary objective is to improve the quality of life in our City by identifying and addressing public safety and community concerns. The police department recognizes the importance of working with the community at large to develop programs to meet this objective and is committed to accomplishing its mission in a professional manner that promotes respect and dignity of all people.”

E.P. Police Chief Chris Parella said he volunteered his department for the survey, which Prof. Nutt and his class performs each year.

"First it shows us where we're succeeding and where we're failing. We need the input," Chief Parella. "We know in the police profession we're not always going to get people who are happy about us who respond. We wanted to see where are deficiencies were and what we do well.

"Also every department in the state is pursuing state accreditation and it's pretty comprehensive…and part of it is every three or four years you have to do a survey."

Respondents viewed the professionalism, courteousness, helpfulness and knowledge of the department with high regard. Officers received positive reviews on those attributes at the following percentiles: 89, 89, 88 and 90.

The survey concluded, "research in the comments section of the surveys revealed that one East Providence citizen even stated that 'the knowledge and integrity and professionalism of this department exceeds beyond expectations.' It should be noted that the emphasis that is placed on in service training for the department is reflected in these positive ratings."

In terms of how safe residents feel about East Providence, they answered accordingly: 93% feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the day, but only 7% have the same feeling about the evening; 37% feel safe walking in your neighborhood during the night, while 63% do not feel that way at night; 75% feel your neighborhood is a safe environment to raise children versus 25% who don't; and 89% feel safe in your home while 11% do not.

The survey analysis stated, "respondents point out that they would like to see an increased police presence in neighborhoods, communities, and schools."

Of note as well, participants prioritized the following "quality of life" issues they're most concerned with: school violence, vandalism, domestic violence, crime prevention, community relations programs, police presence and racial/ethnic relations.

On these subjects, the survey concluded, "respondents suggested that there be more personal contact between the police and the residents in order to establish even greater rapport. Some respondents suggested that more officers should be hired."

In total, the department has 97 officers broken down as follows: Patrol Division 55 officers; Detective Division, 17 officers; Services Division, 9 members. Also, EPPD has 18 civilian employees (12 dispatchers and 6 clerks). Five new officers were recently sworn into service.

After completing their analysis, Prof. Nutt and his students rendered the following conclusion from the survey: "The EPPD received high reviews in how its officers are perceived by their residents. Concerns were raised about the safety of residents walking in their neighborhoods at night and in the Riverside area of the city. The EPPD has many programs to serve their residents and should advertise these more."