Community Policing and its Implications on crime preventions: Evidence from Municipality

Abstract

The study focused on understanding community policing in Moshi municipality. The main objective of the study was to assess community policing and its implication on crime prevention. The specific objectives were to; identify types of crimes reported in Moshi municipality, examine police officers involvement in community policing activities and identify constraints and opportunities for citizen participation in community policing. Results showed that the major categories of crimes committed are those against social values, getting properties and against humanity. The citizens are aware of community policing and are participating in its activities like; night patrols, reporting crimes to police force and formation of security groups. Incidences of crimes have been reduced because of community policing as evidenced by the citizens. However, it faces constraints of lack of ownership of the process for some police officers and citizens. For the citizens it appears that lack of incentives for those participating in community policing erodes their spirit. On the other hand the police lack skills on community engagement. The study recommends capacity building for the police and adequate resource allocation so that it can effectively carry out its duties. The other is to enhance the partnership between the police force and citizens in community policing. The study ends by recommending areas for future research in community policing