City of Columbus

Columbus City Council continues its process of reimagining public safety in Columbus. Our focus revolves around investing in accountability and improving our division of police, investing in violence prevention, and creating alternative public safety crisis response models. We are conducting this survey as another opportunity to learn more from Columbus residents about your feelings, opinions and ideas related to public safety. 

You can remain anonymous when taking this survey. The information gathered in this survey will be used to help us build a path toward a more just and equitable Columbus. The results of this survey will be made public and is part of Columbus City Council’s ongoing outreach to members of our community as we work collectively to heal, restore trust, and strengthen Columbus.
Section 1: Establishing Alternative Public Safety Crisis Response  

Today, police officers are the first responders to many different situations that occur in the community. Some of these situations may be better suited for a response from other professionals whose training is dedicated to certain areas such as mental health, domestic disputes, drug overdose, and more. This section will capture feedback and insights on engaging non-police personnel as responders to different situations. 

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* 1. What types of issues would be appropriate for a police officer and a trained crisis team responder to address together?

  Comfortable Somewhat comfortable Uncomfortable Very uncomfortable
Homelessness issues 
Needle pickup 
Wellness check 
Suicide threats or attempts (Non-weapon related) 
General behavioral issues
Mental health crisis
Traffic or motor vehicle accident with no injury
Alcohol abuse or public intoxication
Noise complaints
Trespassing
Drug abuse or overdose
Neighbor complaints or disputes
Loud party or loud music
Prostitution
Panhandling/Loitering
Child neglect/abuse
Missing person
Suspicious persons
Domestic disputes
Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking
Drug sales or trafficking
Animal attacks

Question Title

* 2. What types of issues would be appropriate for trained crisis team responders to address without law enforcement?

  Comfortable Somewhat comfortable  Uncomfortable Very uncomfortable
Homelessness issues 
Needle pickup 
Wellness check 
Suicide threats or attempts (Non-weapon related) 
General behavioral issues
Mental health crisis
Traffic or motor vehicle accident with no injury
Alcohol abuse or public intoxication
Noise complaints
Trespassing
Drug abuse or overdose
Neighbor complaints or disputes
Loud party or loud music
Prostitution
Panhandling/Loitering
Child neglect/abuse
Missing person
Suspicious persons
Domestic disputes
Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking
Drug sales or trafficking
Animal attacks

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* 3. Please share your opinion on whether Columbus should explore an alternative, non-police, or other community, trained, unarmed crisis response to the following emergency (911) calls. 

  strongly disagree disagree no opinion agree strongly agree
Non-emergency cases
Post-incident when the threat of harm is no longer present
Calls related to non-violent offenses
Calls related to nuisances/misdemeanors
Mental health crisis
Traffic enforcement
Homeless services
Drug overdose
Mental health situations
Wellness checks
Public intoxication
Noise complaints
Prostitution
Panhandling/Loitering
Suicide/self-harm (non-weapon related)
Trespassing
Alarm system that went off (business or residence)

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* 4. If you witness someone is having a mental health crisis, how would you respond? (select all that apply)

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* 5. In your opinion, please prioritize and rank which of these will have the greatest impact on improving public safety in Columbus.

Section 2: Investing in Accountability and a Better Division of Police

Our leaders are dedicated to providing a safe community for all Columbus residents. This section will help us identify how residents currently view public safety and police-community relations.

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* 6. How do you define public safety? (rank in order of importance)

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* 7. To what extent do you believe police are involved in the community for activities other than enforcement response? (Select one)

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* 8. Considering your opinion of what would improve police-community relations, please rank the options below based on importance.

Section 3: Investing in Violence Prevention

Studies and research suggest prevention as an effective way of addressing public safety concerns. This section will capture your feedback related to investing in violence prevention.

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* 9. Which of the following should be considered as we explore different aspects and the impact of public safety? (Select all that apply)

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* 10. What current aspects of public safety should be considered, expanded, or increased? (Select all that apply)

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* 11. As discussions for reimagining public safety continue, do you have any other recommendations for safety funding and violence prevention strategies that you would recommend? 

Section 4: Participant information 

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* 12. Please list your zip code (For example: 43215)

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* 13. Please state your age

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* 14. Please share your race/ethnic background

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* 15. Please state your gender

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* 16. Indicate below if you have had any contact with law enforcement/criminal justice systems. (Please select all that apply)

0 of 16 answered
 

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