WYOMING, Mich. -- The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is launching a new community engagement and feedback tool called PowerEngage.
The new service uses text messaging to contact community members after calls to dispatch, or after receiving certain police services. Capt. Tim Pols tells WOOD Radio the text messages will ask residents to take a quick survey about their experience with Dispatch and with Wyoming police officers.
"So, basically, within a few hours of contacting Dispatch or receiving police service, the person who contacted us would receive a text inviting them to participate in a short survey regarding their experience," Capt. Pols said.
The text surveys will begin going out later this week. You can reply with the word "STOP" to opt out of receiving the messages. Residents who do not want to participate can simply not respond, or let the department know in advance by calling 616-530-7309 and their number will never receive a survey.
Capt. Pols said the survey will consist of five questions.
"Rating how things went during their contact with our agency. And it would also allow them to provide comments, feedback or words of gratitude after receiving service from Wyoming PD," he said.
However, not everyone will receive a survey.
"For example, if you were involved in a property-damage crash, you would likely receive a survey," Pols said. "But, if you were involved in a crash with injuries you would not receive a survey link. Whether or not a survey is sent out is based on the call type."
The survey should not be used to report an emergency or a crime. Those calls should go to 9-1-1. Citizens can always provide feedback regarding the department on the contact form on the city's website.
In a news release, Wyoming DPS Chief Kim Koster said it is important for the police department to hear from the community about how it is doing.
"Especially from those that we have recently met,” she said. “This new product ... will give me access to community feedback in near real time, providing insights into areas where we can improve the service we provide to Wyoming. It also has potential to boost officer morale when positive feedback is provided.”
### [Photo from wyomingmi.gov ]