Neuchâtel police: 14,000 people invited to give their opinion

The canton of Neuchâtel wants to probe its population on the perception of both physical and digital security as well as on the quality of the Neuchâtel police service. Some 14,000 people, who have received postal letter since Monday, have been invited to give their opinion.

(Keystone-ATS) After a first edition conducted in 2019, the canton of Neuchâtel revived its survey from its inhabitants, selected to have a representative sample. This study will allow “to best adjust the benefits of the expectations of the population,” the Canton and the Neuchâtel police said on Tuesday in a joint statement.

“Anxious to maintain the confidence of the population and be present where the needs are felt, the Neuchâtel police attach great importance to the results of this survey. The latter contribute in a concrete way to piloting its activities and the orientation of its action in the field, ”read in the press release.

The previous edition, carried out in 2019, had revealed a generally high feeling of security in the canton. The main sources of concern mentioned by the population concerned the dangerous driving of vehicles, theft of bicycles and burglaries at home. Respondents also said they were more concerned with cybercrime risks. The investigation had finally highlighted a high level of confidence in the police.

Independent research team

The 14,000 people surveyed will receive a letter signed by State Councilor Céline Vara, which will contain a link to the online questionnaire, as well as a personal access code. The survey is only available in digital version. The answers are anonymous and no link can be established between them and the identity of the participants. The period of participation is set for September 19.

The investigation is carried out in collaboration with an independent research team, composed of the school of criminal sciences (ESC) of the University of Lausanne and the Outsiders Sàrl Criminological Expertise Office. The data collected will be analyzed by mandated criminologists. A report is expected for the beginning of 2026.