A survey conducted between May and September concluded that most Mandan residents are pleased with the job their police officers are doing.

The survey was done by criminal justice field study students at Bismarck State College and police department personnel. Approximately 85 people who received traffic citations or called the police for services were contacted and questioned over the phone about the experience.

"I like having the students do the surveys," Mandan Police Chief Dennis Rohr said. "People are more likely to tell them what they don't like than to tell an officer."

Rohr said the results were helpful.

"The comments we received really let us know there's a lot of community support," he said. "It lets us know what issues we need to work on."

Ninety percent of those who were stopped for traffic citations said the officer had a good attitude and was fair. Those dealing with police in the categories of calls on theft, vandalism, juvenile problems and other issues were 95 percent satisfied or better.

All but one person surveyed said they think Mandan is a safe place to live. That person was unsure.

"We only questioned people who have had contact with the police either through a traffic stop or a call for something else," Rohr said. He said he likes to question people who have dealt with the police department so they can make more informed comments.

The top five problems Mandan citizens pointed out were drug abuse, speeding, drunken driving, juveniles running around at night and noisy cars and music.

Aside from answering questions, those surveyed were given the opportunity to comment about the police department.

Positive comments included "they are highly visible," "they do a good job" and "they are polite and friendly." Negative comments included "they are too tough on traffic enforcement," "they need to patrol the alleys behind bars more," and "they need to pay more attention to big crimes instead of small ones."

Rohr said the last survey on the Mandan Police Department was done five years ago.

"I like to do surveys when I have the resources, but it takes a lot of time," he said. "We had a lot of good comments with this one."

(Reach reporter Katie Brown at 250-8225 or katie.brown@;bismarcktribune.com.)