Maplewood residents met Monday evening for a second public meeting to talk about funds the city is due to receive (about $400,000 annually) following the passage of Proposition P in St. Louis County. The Maplewood Community Builders group organized the meeting, held at at New Destiny Apostolic Church in Maplewood.
Following their first meeting, in November, members of the group canvased Maplewood, surveying about 440 residents on their feelings about the Maplewood Police Department.
An organizer with the group added this, regarding the survey.
The group “collected responses from diverse participants through in-person canvassing, going door-to-door, MRH high school — and online,” according to one of the lead organizers. About 440 surveys were conducted.
The racial, gender and geographic breakdown of recipients closely matched that of Maplewood residents. The survey figures are largely positive; as referenced by Chief Kruse, 90 percent of respondents feel safe in Maplewood.
Notably, white respondents and respondents of color reported different perceptions with their experiences with the police. When asked to respond to the comment: “I believe Maplewood PD treats all people fairly” — 26 percent of white respondents disagreed with the statement, while 35 percent of respondents of color disagreed.
Newly elected council member Sandi Phillips said after the meeting one of the questions on the survey asked if the Maplewood police department treats people fairly. “The response — it surprised me — the number of people that didn’t feel that way,” she said.
Maplewood Chief of Police Steve Kruse pointed out that on the other hand 90 percent of those who took the survey said they felt safe; he said it doesn’t jibe.
He stressed the importance of fairness. “I’ve gone through extensive police training,” Kruse said. “The biggest thing that’s going to cause a problem with a police or any organization is that the employees believe that you are not fair — real or perceived — that’s going to cause problems. That’s what all people want, is to be treated fairly.”
Meeting organizer Nicky Rainey said the Maplewood Community Builders will take the survey results and notes from brainstorming from the meeting and give it to the Maplewood City Council to inform them for next year’s city budget.
See also: Maplewood residents meet over Prop P funds: transparency wanted
I don’t see an “N” on this survey? (Number of responses) and how this information was collected. Self-select/report to only those who happened to pick it up has a very different validity than a “nearly everyone” interview or door to door collection. A valid survey provides a detailed description of collection information.
Yes, Pickett Lema, it appears that we are missing important information on this survey.
Pickett, the group “collected responses from diverse participants through in-person canvassing and online,” according to one of the lead organizers who recently contacted 40 South. About 440 surveys were conducted.
Looks like the Maplewood PD did quite well on this survey. Glad to see it! We should be thanking these fine officers for their service!
I agree, Jon!
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