2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results
2024 Executive Summary
As a part of our continuing effort to be responsive to the needs of the community, the following information was gathered through a paper survey sent to random Kettering residents in December 2024. The identical survey was available for citizens to complete on the Kettering Police Department’s website.
The random sampling paper and online surveys provided a valid method of obtaining opinions and findings on major issues and topics of concern as they relate to the Kettering Police Department and Communication Center and their operations. Overall, respondents enjoyed the survey and were pleased with the opportunity to voice their opinions. Survey modifications were based upon requests from citizens. Results will be posted on the Kettering Police Department’s website. Questions, suggestions and concerns will be handled through public information and direct contact with citizens who request it.
One thousand (1000) paper surveys with mail back envelopes were sent to random Kettering residents requesting participation in the Kettering Police and Communication (Dispatch) Center’s Community Satisfaction Survey. The paper survey responses could be mailed back or citizens were invited to complete the survey online via a QR code or at the Kettering Police Department’s website beginning January to March 2025. Invitations for Kettering residents to participate in the survey were placed on the Kettering Police Department’s Facebook page and other community publications.
The 2024 survey yielded 89 online (152 – in 2022) participants and 113 paper surveys (124 – in 2022) returned for a total of 202 citizen respondents (276 – in 2022). The number of online responses has decreased to 89 in 2024 down from 152 in 2022. The response rate for the 2024 paper survey was 11%, which is lower than the last paper survey in 2022 at 12%. The actual response rate from the paper survey may be difficult to ascertain since citizens may have chosen to use the online link instead of completing the paper survey. This trending indicates both paper and online surveys are important choices for residents.
Citizens were asked to choose three issues of greatest concern within the community right now. Fifty seven percent of citizens identified theft and burglary as their number one concern, 53% chose traffic safety issues, with safe schools and drug problems equally chosen as the third concerns at 47%. Other issues of concern in order of importance to citizens were drunk driving (26%), violence (24%), juvenile delinquency (11%), and other (10%). The other responses included 26% traffic issues with 11% for housing, immigrant and drugs issues. The number one concern in the survey for 2022 was theft and burglary (71%), secondly was drug problems (51%), followed by safe schools (49%).
Analyses of 2024 responses revealed:
- Forty-four percent of responses were from zip code 45429, 21% were from 45440, followed by 19% from 45420 and 15% from zip codes 45419, 45409, 45432, 45439.
- The number one greatest concern perceived by residents was for theft and burglary (57%) and is down from the 71% who noted this concern in 2022.
- There was a 10% increase in the second greatest concern of traffic safety from 43% in 2022 to 53% in 2024.
- The third greatest concerns were for safe schools and drug problems, both at 47%. Safe schools concern was similar in 2022 at 45%. Drug problem concerns are slightly decreased this survey from 51% in 2022.
- There were 19 “other” responses for the greatest concerns within the community. After categorization, the highest responses (32%-6) in the “miscellaneous” category ranging from drones to lack of sidewalks followed by traffic concerns (26%-5).
- Citizens want increased patrol in their neighborhoods, to be kept safe from theft & burglary drug activity, and speeders. Citizens desire to be kept informed of situations and the status of crime and other issues that affect the livability of the community. They also want to see more neighborhood involvement. The website and social media are ideal mediums to “advertise” events, neighborhood happenings, and relative information.
- The highest ratings for police’s attention to common issues of concern was for safe schools. Eighty-seven percent of responses were noted as very good to excellent and the lowest rating for police’s attention was for traffic safety issues.
- Ninety-eight percent of respondents agree Kettering Police Officers provides good service overall to the community.
- Ninety-five percent of citizens agree the Kettering police have a pleasant and helpful tone while providing information, treat the public fairly and with respect, behave in a way that earns the confidence and respect of the public and uses the appropriate amount of force while making an arrest.
- Ninety-four percent of respondents agreed the Kettering police deal with the public courteously and professionally and felt safe in the presence of police.
- Ninety-three percent agree Kettering police attend to problems in a timely manner, are doing a good job preventing crime, are friendly and are appropriately trained to deal with the variety of calls received.
- The highest “disagree” response about Kettering Police’s service to the community is for enforcing traffic laws at 17% while 83% agreed police enforce traffic laws.
- Recommendations for improvement regarding Kettering police were categorized into 12 categories: community relations, drug issues, housing, juvenile, misc., mental health issues, negative, officer issue, positive, safe community, safe schools and traffic. The top recommendations are: twenty-six percent (17) of these comments were positive and 26% (17) were about traffic issues, followed by keeping the community safe at 9% (6).
Respondents provided a clear picture of the effect the police department has on the community. The desire to see and meet patrol officers in the community is strong.
Citizens also rated the Kettering Communication (Dispatch) Center. Forty percent or 73 respondents contacted or knew someone who had contacted the Dispatch Center. This is a decrease from 2022 by 65 respondents. This group of citizens were asked to “agree” or “disagree” with several questions focused on: overall service to the community, response to the public, meeting the needs of callers, knowledge, attitudes & behaviors, and citizen concerns. The responses were overwhelming positive (95% & higher) in these categories. One category; dispatchers are knowledgeable, calming and confident was rated at 94% “agreed”, while 6% “disagreed”.
The highest rating from citizen responses “agreed” that dispatchers provide good service overall to the community (99%). The next highest rating from citizens were dispatchers treat callers fairly and with respect (97%). Other high ratings (94% or greater) were:
- responsive to the public and meets the need of callers
- asks appropriate questions to better define the caller’s location or problem
- effectively address the caller’s needs and sends an accurate response
- deal with callers courteously and professionally
- have a pleasant attitude and helpful tone
- knowledgeable, calming and confident
- callers reporting community concerns will have their information dealt with appropriately
The 2022 survey respondents rated the Communication Center with similar high ratings. There were 12 responses for suggestions for improvement regarding the Dispatch Center, 38% (5) were positive comments, 38% (5) were neutral comments and 15% (2) negative comments.
The final comments shared by citizens for other areas of concern in the community or neighborhood not addressed in the survey were primarily positive at 43% (39 responses), with traffic concerns at 26% (24 responses), recommendations for KPD at 12% (11 responses), followed by concerns with crime, safety and schools at 11% (10 responses). There were miscellaneous comments at 11% (10 responses), which ranged from “no complaints” to “continued training”.
We are excited to show the citizens that we take their input seriously. We are proud to have received so many favorable comments from the people we serve. We are equally grateful for the constructive criticism as it helps us focus our efforts on areas in need of greater attention.
Community Satisfaction Survey Summary
The Kettering Police Department completed its biannual Kettering Police and Communication (Dispatch) Center Community Satisfaction Survey during the first quarter of 2025.
The survey consisted of four parts:
Part I: Major Issues of Concern
Part II: Concerning Kettering Police Officers
Part III: Kettering Communication (Dispatch) Center
Part IV: Overall Evaluation of the Kettering Police Department
One thousand (1000) paper surveys with mail back envelopes with a survey web link were sent to random Kettering residents requesting participation in the Kettering Police and Communication (Dispatch) Center’s Citizen Satisfaction Survey. Citizens who received paper surveys could mail back or choose to complete the survey online. The survey was online at the Kettering Police Department’s website during January-March 2025. Invitations for Kettering residents to participate in the survey were placed on the Kettering Police Department’s Facebook page and other city publications. This survey will be compared with the Kettering Police and Communications Citizen Satisfaction Survey completed in early 2023 for 2022.
A total of 202 surveys were completed, 89 online (152 in 2022) and 113 paper surveys (124 in 2022). The response rate for the 2024 paper survey was 11%, which is similar with the last paper survey in 2022 at 12%. The online participation significantly decreased. The actual response rate from the paper survey may be difficult to ascertain since citizens may have chosen to take the online survey instead of completing the paper survey. This trending indicates both paper and online survey choices are important to residents.
A variety of survey response scales were used to measure responses. The Kettering Police Department overall performance rating was 4.5/5, (4.5 in 2022).
The primary zip code responses were from 45429 (44%) followed by 45440 (21%).
Part I: Major Issues of Concern
- Respondents were asked to choose three issues of greatest concern within the community. As you see below; theft & burglary is the number one concern at 57% down from 71% in 2022, followed by traffic safety at 53% increased by 10% since last survey, and drug problems & safe schools both at 47% similar to last survey. Additional issues of concern in order of importance to citizens were drunk driving (26%), violence (24%), juvenile delinquency (11%), and other (10%). The other responses included 26% traffic issues with 11% for housing, immigrant and drugs issues. The top concern is theft and burglary followed by traffic safety this survey.
- The top concerns for 2024 compared with 2022 and 2020 are depicted in the chart below. Theft & burglary and drug problems have trended down, with traffic safety issues, safe schools and drunk driving trending upwards since 2020.
Citizen Concerns for 2024:
Citizen Concerns for 2020, 2022, and 2024:
The greatest concerns noted by citizens were then rated on a scale of 1(poor) to 5(excellent) based on the citizen’s perceived amount of attention the Police Department give to these matters. Below are those responses.
Perceived Areas of Police Focus City Wide:
Respondents perceived and rated safe schools as the top issue upon which police placed the most focus (56% as excellent), followed by drunk driving (45% as excellent), violence and drug problems (44% as excellent), theft and juvenile delinquency (39% as excellent), traffic safety at 37% focus as excellent. The “other” category (56 % as excellent- 14 responses) noted traffic issues to rough roads with misc. comments.
Respondent’s top concern is theft and burglary; however, these crimes are perceived as a lower priority for police at 39% excellent. This perception may be addressed through communication and education.
Part II: Concerning Kettering Police Officers
Citizens were asked to rate several aspects of the Kettering Police Officer’s attitudes and their interaction with the community. The questions on this section of the survey for 2024 were fine-tuned to bring increased citizen responses. The citizens were asked to respond as agree or disagree. The most “agree” rated responses from citizens this year at 98% was that police provide good service overall to the community (95%in 2022). The next highest ratings from respondents at 96% – officers are knowledgeable, calming and confident (95% in 2022). At 95% was having a pleasant tone while providing information, treat the public fairly and with respect, behave in a way that earns the confidence and respect of the public, and uses the appropriate amount of force while making an arrest (similar in 2022). Additional statement responses were highly rated and similarly rated in 2022: are friendly (93%), feeling safe in the presence of the police was marked at 94% for “agree” in 2024 and 2022. The lowest rating was for enforcing traffic laws at 83% agreed (79% in 2022).
The citizen responses reveal high ratings for aspects of police interactions with the community. The ratings remain high and steady over time. The table below reveals all responses from citizens.
“Please tell us whether you agree or disagree with the following statement about Kettering Police Officers”:
Citizens were given an opportunity to share recommendations for improvement regarding the Kettering Police. Below is a graph of 66 recommendations or suggestions placed in categories. Twenty-six percent (17 respondents) of comments are positive, 26% (17 respondents) are related to traffic issues. The miscellaneous suggestions were at 15% (10 respondents) and ranged from survey comments to increased patrols. See comments below.
Comments from citizens to please share any recommendations or suggestions for improvement regarding the Kettering Police.
Answered-66
Skipped-137
| Responses | Categories | |
| * | More supportive presence and community connection | community relations |
| * | I think they do a great job. I wish they were present in a way our kids were not “scared” to see a cop. I wish they would address the drug problem that continues to increase in the bathrooms at Fairmont. (I have children/family there to confirm that issues) | drugs |
| * | When it comes to traffic laws, they are doing fantastic. Maybe more crackdown on violence and drug use. | drugs |
| * | For city officials: stop allowing low-income housing to be built (or zoning changed). We have too much!!! It is too much stress on the school district (which spills into city services including police). The city lawmakers need to STOP!! We cannot afford more school taxes. The city gets a small portion of my property taxes. They do a good job for it and I’d rather take money from the schools and give to the city to have even better services, but that is not how it works, so stop making the school dist. need more money so we can vote no to their levies. City services NEED to stay at the level they are at. The school district taxes can make people vote down city levies in the future b/c most that vote don’t even understand how property taxes work or the difference between the municipalities. So cut the head off the snake before we all get bit. Just say no to more low income!! | housing |
| * | One thing I want to be very sure about now is how safe the schools are, 100% safe for all the children and that all the police know exactly what to do if a shooting did happen. Will the police show up to a school quick enough to save lives. My second and concern is about what the police are doing with the juvenile delinquents? There are many kids and several teenagers in my neighborhood that believe they are invisible! For example, there will be kids in the street and don’t think they have to move for cars driving down the street. The worst is a group of teens walking and won’t move to the side. If you honk at them, they run their mouth and some have picked stuff up and thrown at the cars. Police are in my neighborhood a lot but the teens think they are above the law! | juvenile issues |
| * | More outreach with kids, especially teenagers. | juvenile issues |
| * | Keeping the reputation of the city of Kettering being a safe community. | keep safe community |
| * | Wish they could drive thru the neighborhoods more often just to make their presence known. | keep safe community |
| * | The new housing near Meijers is a big concern for me and neighbors. | keep safe community |
| * | Have more of a presence at Meijer on Wilmington. | keep safe community |
| * | Cooperate with federal government to detain and deport illegal immigrants. | keep safe community |
| * | More training on how to handle situations that involve people of color and people with mental health challenges. | mental health training |
| * | Better understanding of mental health needs of the community, look into bias regarding trace | mental health training |
| * | Are there issues police are expected to respond to that require more than normal police training? e.g recognition of mental health behaviors, etc? | misc |
| * | Ask more clarifying questions. Do not assume they understood your answer. | misc |
| * | I have not had any personal reason or contact with police so I assume my answers are what I would expect. | misc |
| * | I haven’t dealt with the police themselves so I can’t provide much feedback. | misc |
| * | No concerns from our household- 14 year resident. | misc |
| * | I’ve not had any interactions with Kettering Police, so I couldn’t answer the questions. | misc |
| * | Please explain when issues with children and parents with no custody occur and nothing is done when a child is taken from the unwed single mother forcibly. Just really would like to know why nothing was done. | misc |
| * | Too many different uniforms are used. Beards make officers look unprofessional. | misc |
| * | Can’t think of anything | misc |
| * | Let’s see the police patrolling more. I’ve lived in my area almost 4 years. The only time I’ve seen a car here was when they were called to a car theft. | misc |
| * | everyone is treated like a criminal. | negative |
| * | Retrain your cops because they’re all a bunch of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. | negative |
| * | I put disagree on a few answers due to fact last year around new years. I was assaulted by a contractor at my apartment. The guy even admitted to it. The officer said if he would arrest him he would arrest me for trespass???? It was my apartment and they smoked my apartment out. I felt that was a bad mess all way around but I feel that call was poorly handled. All other encounters with our officers has been descent. | negative |
| * | I think Kettering police should stop sitting outside people’s houses at 2 am and going down the street with their spotlights on multiple times a night waking my child up and me. Not to mention the one time we had to involve police with something this year the cop was extremely rude and callous. | negative |
| * | Replace every current officer and also the chief officer as well. Hire all new ones that will follow the US Constitution and fairly and equally apply all laws including on themselves when they fail. | officer |
| * | I am disgusted with how the police allow people to harass the clientele at the Women’s Center on Stroop Rd. They allow people to yell, scream, yell through a bull horn… on and on. This is harassment and the police take no action! Why? Is this related to a xxxxxxx on the police force related to the xxxxxxx business? Is it a prejudice of the beliefs of some on the police force? Disgraceful. | officer |
| * | To educate police officers on how to handle PTSD, psych and anxiety persons, otherwise- our police department is really good. | officer |
| * | More mental health sensitivity training for officers dealing with victims & criminals with mental health issues. | officer |
| * | As eighty and eighty-one year olds, my husband and I feel safe in the community when we are out and about in our surrounding areas. Admittedly we may not be the best residents to answer many of these issues because we stay pretty much as home bodies. However, we do feel the police department is doing a good job because we do not encounter any of the listed issues above, so I guess since we don’t see the community “running amuck” when we are out that is a definite positive sign of our police department. | positive |
| * | Living in Kettering for only a year, I feel safe knowing Kettering Police Department is here for my safety and the safety of the community. | positive |
| * | Keep doing an outstanding job! We appreciate you and all you do! | positive |
| * | Love you guys. | positive |
| * | I think they are doing a fine job. | positive |
| * | Only lived here a year. All seems to be going well. | positive |
| * | There is little or no information about officers who do a good job, we can’t take them for granted | positive |
| * | As a citizen of Kettering for over 25 years, I’m happy with the police. | positive |
| * | Let the police do their job and get rid of speed cameras | positive |
| * | My experience with officers has been mainly about traffic accidents plus years ago someone harassing me- all officers were so professional and helpful, so no improvement suggestions. | positive |
| * | Drug Problems- I want to emphasize I don’t feel this is exactly a city issue. It just seems a lot of arrest from drugs being brought into Kettering from other cities. People know where police tend to sit for speed traps in Kettering, while there are other locations where people tend to drive like mad-men with no police presence usually. ex: (Glenheath Dr, Rahn Rd, Bigger between Whipp & David, Croftshire, East Stroop after Woodman heading towards the Greene. Overall though, I feel Kettering does a great job. I’ve lived her 15+ years now and have always felt safe and never had issues with the police. | positive |
| * | Kettering Police Officers always helpful and courteous when I needed them. | positive |
| * | Keep up the good work, and remember, do not support liberal judges! | positive |
| * | I strongly believe our police officers deserve a higher salary & updated equipment. We also need more K-9 officers to help in aid of catching criminals & searching for drugs. We have a wonderful police enforcement agency. They need to be kept safe & paid a higher salary. | positive |
| * | I think Kettering Police Department overall is excellent. I do feel like your police dispatchers. while I know they have a very hard job could be better training in interacting with the public. | positive |
| * | I trust the Kettering police and they are very active in the community. The school resource officers are great. The motorcycle cop has multiple people pulled over on woodman every time he patrols there. The chief of police is friendly. The k9 cops are excellent. I am proud to live in a community where police are valued by the public and supported. I feel safe in Kettering. | positive |
| * | I have not had any personal contact with police but feel safe as a widow living in this city. | positive |
| * | As a parent my biggest concern is my kids safety while at school. Given the frequency of violent acts in the schools across the country. In general I feel my kids are safe, but more police presence at our schools would be fine with me!!! Thank you for all you do | safe schools |
| * | Cell phone use while driving not enforced. I believe the Kettering Police keeps me/us safe! I support them in the society we have today! | traffic issue |
| * | Too many people running red lights and turning right in school areas. | traffic issue |
| * | Drivers speeding can be found on any street within the city on a daily basis. | traffic issue |
| * | More patrol at Rahn and Wilmington. People run the traffic light all the time. Almost been hit multiple times when I came off of Rahn onto Wilmington Pike on a green light by those ignoring their red light! | traffic issue |
| * | Enforcement of red light and stop sign running, speeding, and cellphone use while driving. I witness stop sign violations every time I travel through Hill and Dales park. Much of this occurs in Oakwood however. | traffic issue |
| * | I am a school bus driver and police are never present on the roads when cars run our “reds”. I feel they need to be more present in our school zones or during school drop off times. (6:00-9:00 am & 1:30-500pm). Cars run my stop sign everyday especially by Hempstead Apartments. | traffic issue |
| * | Stop signs and even stop lights have become non-existent to many drivers, especially off adjoining roads to major thoroughfares (e.g. Dorothy, Shroyer, Wilmington, Stroop) | traffic issue |
| * | Can we get more patrols on Stroop near Indian Riffle Park? | traffic issue |
| * | More speeding tickets. | traffic issue |
| * | You need to run radar on West Stroop to Tait Road. Drivers speed away from Southern, traveling west. | traffic issue |
| * | They do a good job with traffic when they are present, but unfortunately, we need more police to watch for drivers on their phones, running red lights, not pulling over for ambulances, and almost hitting pedestrians. Kettering drivers are the worst. I know there’s not much that can be done. | traffic issue |
| * | Enforce traffic laws, speed limits, auto/motorcycle decibel laws. The lack of traffic enforcement is embarrassing | traffic issue |
| * | Please do more to discourage or penalize drivers running red lights. I worry about my children getting hit by a car walking/biking/driving to school much more than I worry about their safety while at school. | traffic issue |
| * | It seems speeding, aggressive drivers has gotten worse. I wish there was a better way to confront this | traffic issue |
| * | Need to address and patrol roads for speeding and aggressive and reckless driving. School zones have no police citing drivers | traffic issue |
| * | You guys refused to help us over a speeding neighbor endangering everyone. | traffic issue |
| * | I put Disagree for “Enforce Traffic Laws” but not because traffic laws aren’t enforced, more so because there is a lack of police presence at busy intersections. When there are traffic laws broken during rush hours down Stroop and Dorothy Lane, I never see police there to witness/address the issues. | traffic issue |
Part III: Attitudes Concerning Kettering Communication (Dispatch) Center for 2024
Citizens were asked if they or someone they knew had called the Kettering Dispatch Center and had experience interacting with a dispatcher in 2024. Forty percent of respondents (73) indicated they had experience with a dispatcher (47% or 112 in 2022). This group of citizens were asked to agree or disagree with statements about the Kettering Communications (Dispatch) Center regarding service to the community, competency, attitude and behaviors toward citizens.
The highest “agreed” upon replies from citizens were that Dispatchers provide good service overall to the community at 99%. The graph below displays the Dispatch Center’s very high agreement responses, all greater than 95%. The lowest agreed upon response was for the dispatcher being knowledgeable, calming and confident (still high at 94%).
Attitudes Concerning Kettering Communication (Dispatch) Center- Agreed replies:
Average Number of Respondents for all questions:
2020- 71
2022- 107
2024- 71
Citizens shared recommendations or suggestions for improvement regarding the Kettering Communications (Dispatch) Center. Below is a graph depicting categories of citizen responses (12 answered) followed by the actual responses. The positive response category was the highest category (46%).
Answered- 12
Skipped- 190
| Responses | Categories | |
| * | Not much experience w them personally. | Misc. |
| * | I have no experience with questions in part D | Misc. |
| * | Fire all the current ones and hire new ones that are dependable and effective. | Negative |
| * | Due to health issues, my parents have had to call 911 a couple of times and were very pleased with the courtesy and fast response. | Positive |
| * | Keep doing a great job! | Positive |
| * | They do a great job and don’t get enough recognition. | Positive |
| * | Dispatch center also needs updated equipment & higher salary, benefits. | Positive |
| * | Dispatch is always great | Positive |
| * | Dispatch has done fine when I have called for small reasons. I’ve never had a need for a panicked or major call. | Positive |
| * | A more transparent estimate of response time. | Recommendation |
| * | More calming and reassuring tones. | Recommendation |
| * | I called after me and a group of people (2 other adults and three small children) were nearly ran over by a car speeding through a school zone intersection. I was given a sarcastic response after I explained the situation. Granted I understand it’s hard to find a car that I don’t have the license plate number for, but the person didn’t ask any information of where this happened so that there could be better monitoring of the area for the future. | Speeding |
Part IV: Overall Evaluation of the Kettering Police Department
As depicted in the charts below, 52% (88) of citizens responded they had contact with the Kettering Police Department civilian employees such as main office staff, record clerks or administrative professionals. Of those who had contact with the police department, 95% (84) found civilian employees courteous and helpful (92% in 2022). Two percent (4) of citizens did not find civilian employees to be courteous and helpful. Forty-eight percent (80) did not have contact with the police department.
Evaluation of the Kettering Police Department:
The citizen respondents rated their opinions of areas within the Kettering Police Department using a Likert scale of 1 to 5 (5 being “Excellent”, 1 being “Poor”). The areas rated with the highest percentage of excellent responses were the Dispatchers- 70% (68% in 2022), Police Officers – 66% (66% in 2022), followed by civilian personnel – 62% (60% in 2022). The overall Kettering Police Department was rated as excellent – 66% (65% in 2022). The graph below shows the citizen responses for each area of the Kettering Police Department by percentages.
The Likert average ratings revealed the Kettering Police Department overall performance as 4.5/5 (the same in 2022). The respondents rated police officers as 4.5/5 (4.5 in 2022), civilian personnel (jailers, records clerks, administrative professionals) performance as 4.4/5 (4.4 in 2022) on the scale. Dispatchers were rated as 4.6/5 (4.6 in 2022). Each rating is indicated in the table below. These ratings are nearly at the excellent rating of “5” and remain steady over time.
Kettering Police Department- Opinions of Areas:
Citizens were finally asked to share any comments, or other areas of concern in the community or in their neighborhoods not addressed in the survey. And to please include recommendations and suggestions for improvement for the Kettering Police Department. Citizens were thanked for their participation in the survey.
Below is a table depicting categories of citizen responses (91), followed by the word cloud and the comments. The category with the most responses is positive, 43% (54% in 2022); followed by traffic/speeding, 26% (18% in 2022). The word cloud revealed the word “officers” 23% of the time with “traffic” and or “speeding” 25% in the comments/recommendation replies.
Answered- 91
Skipped- 12
Below are the citizens (91) final comments, recommendations, or other areas of concern in the community or neighborhood not addressed in the survey.
Answered: 91
Skipped- 112
| Responses | Tags | |
| * | I know KPD are not in charge of this area, but there is a serious lack of sidewalks in our neighborhoods which does cause a large safety concern. Living right next to the high school and middle school, children are constantly walking in our street with no sidewalks and also no street lights, making visibility is very low in our area. This is also an issue during football season with people parking and walking to the stadium. Thank you for taking the time to listen! Happy Holidays! | city |
| * | I wish the drug usage and panhandlers would go away. Seeing an increase of homeless people downtown creeps closer to Kettering daily. | crime |
| * | I’ve lived here for 46 years. There is definitely more crime and issues. For instance, the constant calls to Meijer for theft. There also seems to be a lot more drug activity. I hope the department is working to overcome these issues and prevent these issues. | crime |
| * | I appreciate the weekly press release reports. They help me stay appraised of types of problems and geographical areas of concern. KPD response times are comforting. Sadly, there still seem to be way too many drug problems. | crime, positive |
| * | I didn’t answer many questions because I’ve only had limited to no contact with the Kettering Police since I moved here 6 years ago. I think that’s a good thing! I follow the laws so the police have no reason to stop me. I’m also fortunate that I didn’t need to call 911 these past few years. From my perspective, you’re doing a good>>great job! My concern is that it seems as if there’s more gun associated crime in some areas of east Kettering- shootings and hostage situations. My expectation is that the police are staying on top of training to prevent and/or diffuse the situations and hopefully are taking proactive steps to prevent the outreach to individuals, referrals to organizations, etc. that can aid people in need to prevent violent situations. | crime, positive |
| * | Main concern is cracking down more on theft, violence and drug use. Other than that they are doing great! Dispatchers could be more calm and friendly overall, but that is just from the one call I made. The response time seemed fair for that call. | crime, recommendation |
| * | My older mother was caught for driving erratically but my uncle took her car. | misc |
| * | Have had very little contact with KPD. | misc |
| * | No complaints. | misc |
| * | It was difficult to respond to questions since I have not had much contact with the Kettering police (which is a good thing). | misc |
| * | Continued training. | misc |
| * | Wishing Kettering PD a very un-merry Christmas | misc |
| * | Provide more options to address the items rather than agree or disagree | misc |
| * | Nothing | misc |
| * | Do not give press conferences unless or until you have all the information available. | misc |
| * | I have no complaints about our police department. | misc |
| * | Please keep up the great work. | positive |
| * | Keep up the good work. | positive |
| * | Officer Drayton was a wonderful representative for the Kettering Police Dept. with his relaxed, easy way of talking and his warm smile. He came to my apt. to put me on a special program where a free lock box (with my front door key inside) has been attached to the back of the building. | positive |
| * | In whole I feel very satisfied and confident in the Kettering Police Department. | positive |
| * | Continue the good work of protecting the wonderful City of Kettering! A citizen of Kettering since the blizzard of 1978, soon to be 27 years. | positive |
| * | Keep up the good work! | positive |
| * | Kettering police are excellent. That is why we have a low crime rate. Please stay safe. We appreciate your service God Bless. signed J&TS | positive |
| * | I had to go to the Kettering Court bldg to inquire about a ticket that my grandson got. The ladies I talked to were very helpful. | positive |
| * | I think they are doing a fine job! | positive |
| * | The few times I have had contact with KPD have all been excellent. | positive |
| * | Very thankful to be living in Kettering vs Dayton/Belmont where complaints of lack of “protect &serve” are rampant on social media. | positive |
| * | I think they do a great job! Thank them all for their service. | positive |
| * | When my son called a policeman came and patiently listened to his issue. The officer realized that my son had a mental issue and did not make him feel unheard but did suggest that he talk with his doctor and that he (the officer) would keep watch. He was professional and courteous. My son’s med have been changed and he is better. | positive |
| * | I am proud to live in Kettering. | positive |
| * | Had a car broken into. Police responded quickly and were great. I absolutely love and respect the Kettering police. Everyone wants safe schools for our children. | positive |
| * | Our police force is the best from where I view things. I’m convinced our officers are performing their duties at the highest level of professionalism. | positive |
| * | My last real involvement with Kettering Police was in 2020 when my brother-in law died. I went to his house when he didn’t answer his phone. I did have access to his house but I didn’t want to enter without an officer. Turns out he was dead and officer took charge to my great relief. | positive |
| * | I feel safe so they must be doing a good job! | positive |
| * | I feel the Kettering Police are doing a very good job. | positive |
| * | I did not check “5 Excellent” only because there is room for improvement in everything but overall, I’m very happy in my City. | positive |
| * | Thank you for “coffee with a cop” outreach at Lathrem (rec center) You have fine officers! | positive |
| * | Overall satisfaction, but limited experience or data on which to comment. | positive |
| * | Dialed 911 in 12/2023 and ambulance was here quickly. The only time I had a conversation with a police officer was when he came to my house because I had accidentally called 911. There was no problem and he was very kind. He asked me twice to be sure I was Ok. I almost forget- getting to pay too much money when tree was cut and other plants were supposedly sprayed. Officer was great and polite. Gave him info I could. | positive |
| * | Thank you for all you do! | positive |
| * | No contact needed in last few years, thankfully! Very satisfied with prior contacts. | positive |
| * | Have only called for non-emergency. As a resident of Kettering, I feel safe in our community and see a police presence around town. | positive |
| * | I’m very happy with the professionalism of the Kettering Police Department. | positive |
| * | KPD officers are really great! They are friendly and knowledgeable and they seem to genuinely care about the citizens of our community. | positive |
| * | I used to live in Dayton, just north of the five oaks area. Drive by shootings, prostitution, drugs and strong arm robbery destroyed that area, thanks for keeping Kettering safe as possible! | positive |
| * | Overall Kettering Police Department is the best. That’s why we have so many people moving into our neighborhoods. They keep us safe & most of all they care about us. | positive |
| * | I think Kettering Police Department does a wonderful job of keeping our community safe. Overall dispatchers are good, but there could be a little improvement there every police officer I’ve come into contact with has been kind and professional. | positive |
| * | I have participated in the citizen police academy and found it interesting and helpful. It was an eye-opener to all they do. I’m glad you offer it. | positive |
| * | Thank You for your service | positive |
| * | Appreciate the RAD classes for women | positive |
| * | Thanks for doing what you do! People suck moreso nowadays. I feel for what the officers have to deal with some days. Sending prayers and stay safe! | positive |
| * | Ohios finest, I believe this moto to be true. | positive |
| * | Publish statistics for citizens- statistics on crime in Kettering, traffic citations, other helpful info for citizens. | recommendation |
| * | Create a referral bonus program for officers. Officers get a bonus for referring an officer for a job. $500.00 after 6 months, another $500 after a year of employment. | recommendation |
| * | Use of illegal, personal fireworks, especially prior and up to July 4. They are set off a week before the Holiday, every night for hours at a time. My car has been damaged and my yard trashed. Perhaps more police presence during these times? I live on a very busy residential street near Delco Park. | recommendation |
| * | Fortunately, I don’t have much contact with our police department. Would and do appreciate the police driving through neighborhoods at night to check on kids walking too late. Recently a car was broken into. Nothing serious stolen. | recommendation |
| * | Why does there have to be so many officers when a car is pulled over? I understand certain situations but for a traffic stop it should only take one police car. | recommendation |
| * | As a retired Dayton Public School Administrator who staff schools with SRO’s only, I admire and appreciate the commitment that KPD has in partnering with KCS to have an officer with an office in each middle school and the high school (and possibly elementary schools- I am not sure), and that the goal (in addition to protection) is to build effective and proactive relationships with young people. Thank you. | recommendation |
| * | Just please take into consideration what is going on. Find out what the story is. Don’t just stand aside and say oh sorry, you can go. Look at what is happening!! | recommendation |
| * | I appreciate the officers who patrol during drop off and pick up times at Oakview elementary school on Ackerman. It would be great if this could be daily. Also, each elementary school should have its own resource officer in today’s world. I do appreciate the safety drills that have been done. The police blotter online is great-as well as Facebook updates. | recommendation |
| * | I don’t know how this can be resolved, but there’s a portion of the mid to late teens and early 20s population that have an innate fear of police officers. I have a 19yo who has never been in trouble but he and a few of his friends don’t feel the police are there for our safety and can be trusted. Perhaps because I grew up as a military child but it’s never been a doubt in my mind that I can always get help from the police. Nothing I’ve done as helped. My coworkers have commented that their children feel the same. I don’t know how to change this. | recommendation |
| * | Patrol our area (Walden and Wagner). I have cameras on the front & back of my house. So I know they never come thru this area | recommendation |
| * | Our only issue/concern is safety and security in our own home. Our home is in an area tucked in behind the ………………………….. Seeing a police cruiser drive by is very reassuring. | safety |
| * | Starting a neighborhood watch program throughout all of Kettering. Meeting with those representatives from each neighborhood so we can come together as a community to help make this city better. Tips & tricks on crime & what to look out for. | safety |
| * | The new housing as stated previously. | safety |
| * | School Resource Officers should be able to assist with school traffic issues, neighborhood congestion and safety problems at all schools–not just their being present in a building. | school |
| * | Kettering resource officer at Fairmont is useless! My kids aren’t safe even to use the bathroom. | school |
| * | Place additional speed trailers or officers within the Rosewood gardens neighborhood to deter speeders. Speeders zoom down La Plata and Danube constantly . There are multiple group of kids that are at play when speeders come through. | traffic |
| * | Speeding on David Rd. Car break in and thefts. I have been hearing about so many break-ins of cars and homes. Makes me very concerned. Also car thefts! I do not feel safe going to Meijer after dark. I understand there are juveniles using the handicap carts running into cars & shoppers. I believe they are coming from the apartments that were just built near there! Thank you for sending this survey out! | traffic |
| * | Would like to see them more visible in our neighborhood. We have several parked cars on our street with flat tires and outdated stickers. People also speed up and down Galewood and squeal ties at all hours. | traffic |
| * | More traffic patrols needed on main roads. | traffic |
| * | Traffic laws need enforced. People are very impatient when it comes to school zones/school buses. People also run red lights all the time. | traffic |
| * | Recently heard a rumor of a police Officer pulling over a citizen while speeding and making a comment about ruining their day. When officers hide on the side of the road waiting for a speeder it makes the community feel like they are being harassed and it makes people feel like the police have nothing better to do than give tickets out. | traffic |
| * | As a new 6 month resident of Ohio in Dayton. we have had no interaction with the Kettering police dept. The only major concern so far is having to stay aware of how many people rush through the yellow light and don’t stop at red lights. | traffic |
| * | The area of Beavertown Elem. school intersection of Ansel and Wilmington is horrible! People speed through all the time when I’m walking my kids to and from school. The crossing time to cross Ansel is very long, probably almost two minutes, but to cross Wilmington is like 25 seconds. That is unreasonable and need to be extended. A lot of children have to cross and have no time to do so, Please note drawing included. | traffic |
| * | Stop signs at the corner of Regent and Brookview Ave. needs to be patrolled more often,school children use this intersection. | traffic |
| * | Many cars go thru traffic lights when they are a little yellow and turn red right away–Have seen this happen at the light at Schuyler and Shroyer– at the middle school | traffic |
| * | I really don’t have much of a concern here in Kettering. Overall, I think you do a great job. Please check out speeding on Stoop near the park. The speeding loud cars are getting ridiculous. | traffic |
| * | OakPark/Woodman area has excessive amounts of loud vehicles day and night time | traffic |
| * | I mostly notice many people running through red lights on Far Hills. I have seen this many times at Shroyer and Rahn Rd. and also at Wilmington and Dorothy Lane. | traffic |
| * | An area of concern in my neighborhood is West Stroop Rd. When pulling out of side streets into traffic, vehicles are met with traffic moving at speeds at least 10-20 mph faster than the posted 40 mph. This is an extreme safety concern. Solutions would be to 1) reduce the posted speed to 35 mph as is the case in other sections of Stroop Rd. 2) Add additional traffic lights to slow traffic. 3) Increase paroling as they do in Oakwood along Far Hills. anything you can do would be appreciated. Thank you! | traffic |
| * | Replace Flesher Ave. You need a 4X 4 to get down the street. Also very dangerous to get past Hanks Pub because of parking on the street. | traffic |
| * | The lack of traffic enforcement is a glaring issue. Someone is going to get hurt or killed based on the speed and running yellow/red lights. | traffic |
| * | More traffic control of most 25 MPH zones. We are frequently harassed by drivers following too closely in 25 MPH zones (Ackerman Blvd.) An officer rang our doorbell at 1:30am one time last summer to alert us that our garage door was open. We were very happy he did this, as some burglaries had been occurring in our neighborhood. | traffic |
| * | My biggest concern is speeding on our neighborhood streets. Maricarr, Hollendale and surrounding streets have repeat speeders daily. Our children aren’t safe to get their toys out of road due to specific people speeding daily. I would love increased patrol on Maricarr around 4:30-5:30pm daily. | traffic |
| * | I live in a senior complex (55 and over) on Stroop Rd. I am very concerned with the speeders on Stroop and Walden WY. A traffic light is necessary at that corner. Please note that traffic doesn’t even stop for first responders on route. | traffic |
| * | Traffic on South Dixie between Schantz Ave. and Dorothy Lane typically exceeds the posted speed limit of 35 MPH by 10+ MPH and aggressive drivers. | traffic |
| * | Can you inform the public about laws regarding parking/stopping too close to intersections? When I’ve walked my children to school there have always been vehicles blocking visibility at intersections making it unsafe for everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists. | traffic |
| * | Have more police officers really enforce distracted driving and reckless drivers. All school zones are crazy speeders and don’t pay attention to those crossing guards and kids | traffic |
| * | Living on E Dorothy Ln east of Woodman is like sitting at the drag strip on a Saturday night at times. I would recommend setting radar up with motorcycle patrols (weather permitting) and handing out a few hundred citations. Very dangerous trying to get out of your driveway when cars are doing 50 (in a 40 or 35 mph area) down DL .Just my thoughts. Overall KPD are awesome and do a great job. Thank you for protecting us citizens! | traffic |
| * | I think they do a great job. I appreciate seeing them in my neighborhood. I just hate Kettering drivers on their phones. I don’t know if anything can even be done. | traffic, positive |