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The shocking figures come from a survey that shows a bobby on the beat is a rare sight for a growing number of the population.
Four-fifths of people when asked said it was important to have a regular uniformed police presence on streets.
But only 17% believed they had this locally.
The number of people who had not seen a uniformed cop in their area was 44% – a rise of 22% on 2015’s figures.
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“All chief constables are working hard to ensure the service is as visible and approachable as possible”
National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Sara Thornton
Only 12% of people said they had not seen uniformed personnel in a vehicle in the past year.
More than 12,500 people were questioned in the survey by Ipsos MORI for HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to find out what people thought of crime and policing.
The report said: “Regular local uniformed police presence remains important for participants.
“However, as in previous years, the proportion who are satisfied with the level of local uniformed police presence is far lower than the proportion who are dissatisfied (24% v 41%).”
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While the public has little faith in police to deal with general crime, they do believe they could provide protection during a terrorist attack.
“This is likely to reflect a shift in public perception following the response of the police to recent terrorist incidents,” the report said.
National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Sara Thornton said: “We know that local policing is absolutely crucial to countering terrorist plots, disrupting serious and organised crime networks and safeguard the most vulnerable in society.
“All chief constables are working hard to ensure the service is as visible and approachable as possible.”