Tasmania Police continues to perform well in the eyes of the community, according to the Report on Government Services 2014 released by the Productivity Commission.

“77.9% of Tasmanians rated their general satisfaction with police services as high. This figure is greater than the national average of 76.8%,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

The overall perception that Tasmania is one of the safest states in the nation still rings true. The percentages of Tasmanians surveyed who feel ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ alone in their homes and who feel ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ walking or jogging locally are still higher than the national averages.

“In tough economic times it is pleasing to note that Tasmania’s proportion of investigations finalised at 30 days was still higher than the majority of other jurisdictions for all reported offence types,” he said.

“It is also pleasing to note that Tasmanians’ perceptions of police integrity remain greater than the national average.  Reporting measures include questions about police professionalism, honesty and whether Tasmanian police treat people fairly and equally,” Commissioner Hine said.

While the percentage of Tasmanians who have raised concern about speeding cars, dangerous and noisy drivers, is greater than the national average, it has declined steadily over the last three years.

“A concerning trend that the report has indicated relates to road safety.  Despite our best measures, our high visibility patrolling and reiterated messaging it appears Tasmanians are still prepared to take risks, speed at more than 10km/h over the posted limit and drive while alcohol affected,” he said.

9.6% of Tasmanian drivers recorded that they had driven when possibly over the alcohol limit compared to 7.8% nationally, and 58.7% of Tasmanian drivers had driven more than 10 km/h above the speed limit, compared to 55.6% nationally.

“Our targeted high-visibility arterial road strategy will continue and we will maintain focus on decreasing the instances of speeding and risk taking driving behaviour.”