It is a priority within the Police and Crime Plan for the Commissioner to seek the views of the public about matters relating to policing in the West Midlands. The Commissioner does this through engagement activity and community visits but may occasionally conduct surveys to support this.
The PCC also has a statutory requirement to seek feedback from the wider public about:
- The Police and Crime Plan (approximately every four years, or on creation of a new Police and Crime Plan)
- Police precept contributions (annual)
Currently surveys
Public Perceptions Survey
This is one of the most significant listening exercises of its kind and is designed to understand how people feel about policing, what matters most to communities, and where improvements are needed.
Over the next two years, through door-to-door research, thousands of residents across the West Midlands will be asked about their experiences, perceptions, and priorities. This voice will directly shape the future of policing in the area. Having your say on policing is important because it ensures that decisions are shaped by the realities of people’s lives.
Previous surveys
Victims Code survey
In January 2026, the OPCC undertook a survey to understand the levels of awareness of the Victims Code across the West Midlands.
We spoke to over 800 people in person, and just 5% of people said they had heard of the Victims Code before.
Precept Survey 2026/27
Residents, businesses, and local stakeholders were consulted throughout December 2025 – February 2026 on their views of the amount we contribute towards policing as part of our Council Tax.
Over 600 people responded to the Precept Survey, and it was found that 40% agreed that police council tax should increase.
Police and Crime Plan Consultation 2025-2029
Shaped by communities, focused on what matters.
The Police and Crime Plan sets the strategic priorities for policing and community safety across the West Midlands. Our engagement and consultation campaign played a vital role in ensuring the plan was shaped by the voices of residents, victims, partners and community organisations.
Through online surveys, public events, and targeted engagement with under-represented groups, we invited people to share their views on crime, safety, and the issues that matter most in their communities. This approach helped ensure the plan reflects real experiences and local concerns, not just organisational priorities.
With nearly 6000 responses to the police and crime plan consultation survey, it was found that 93.8% of respondents expressed agreement with the priorities and principles laid out in the Police and Crime Plan. When asked to select up to ten key police responsibilities, results showed the top 3 were preventing knife crime, investigating crimes and bringing offenders to justice, and prompt response to 999/101 calls and getting to incidents quickly.
