by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Residents of Stearns and Benton counties (and counties elsewhere) are encouraged to take an online survey about the quality of service provided by the Benton County Sheriff’s Department.
The survey is comprised of 15 questions, most of which ask respondents to rate services on a range of “Very Satisfied” to “Very Dissatisfied.” Two of the questions have sub-categories respondents can rate. One lists qualities of law enforcement, such as maintaining public order to teaching personal safety. The other asks about public interactions, ranging from courtesy to desire to be of service. There are also blank boxes throughout the survey which respondents can fill in with additional comments if they choose to do so.
Other questions concern crime in neighborhoods, crime in general in Minnesota, how law enforcement treats and cooperates with the public, crime-prevention successes, strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Respondents are also asked what changes they would like to see in law enforcement throughout the next decade and what actions respondents are willing to support to make those changes possible.
Those who take the test are asked to include their name and address, but such personal information will not be divulged or shared with anyone, the survey states.
To take the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSA_MASTER_PUB.
There are 87 counties in Minnesota, and each has its own sheriff’s department. All of them work in partnership with local and state law-enforcement agencies and other agencies with the goal of protecting the public’s safety. The goal of the survey is to help sheriff’s departments maintain and improve all services for the public, including all communications and interactions. The survey effort is led by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. In addition to the survey, public input is also being sought via meetings and discussions.
