Kinder precinct residents written up (5)

I believe the answer is:

nicer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'kinder' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'precinct residents written up' is the wordplay.
'NICER' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nicer that I've seen before include "comparatively agreeable" , "it's more appealing" , "More pleasing" , "Kinder; finer" , "More pleasant or fine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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