CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The origins of methods for preventing crime in society can be traced back centuries.
Historically, maintaining law and order was the sole responsibility of traditional leaders or
families (Ikuteyijo and Rotimi, 2012). Today, however, preventing and addressing crime and
disorder in neighborhoods is the duty of law enforcement agencies and government officials
(Roehl 1998).
The history of crime reduction in Nigeria can be divided into three main eras: precolonial, colonial, and post-colonial. During pre-colonial times, cults, secret societies,
messengers, and palace guards were used to reduce crime (Marenin, 1985). In the colonial era,
policing methods were criticized for serving the interests of colonizers rather than the people
(Alemika and Chukwuma, 2000; Rotimi, 2001; Okafor, 2006; and Ikuteyijo, 2009). The postcolonial Nigeria Police Force has also been criticized for serving the interests of those in power.
Despite this, there have been numerous reforms in post-colonial policing, with community
policing being one of them. Police departments have been experimenting with new forms of
law enforcement, including community policing (Siegel, 2005).
Currently, criminal activity appears to be on the rise despite significant government
spending on crime control, and the police force appears to be ineffective. This inefficiency is
often attributed to factors such as a lack of personnel, inadequate equipment, poor benefits and
training for officers, lack of support and information from the community, and poor budget
allocation. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the police as a law enforcement
agency. This further emphasizes the importance of citizens participating in community policing
as a way to supplement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in preventing crime.
Community policing is a strategy for preventing and controlling neighborhood crime
that involves a partnership between the police and the community (Monsuru and Rafiu 2016).
The success of this approach can vary depending on how it is implemented in a specific
community (Young & Tinsley, 1998). These partnerships are critical as the police are just one
of the agencies responsible for addressing community issues and it requires the cooperation
and collaboration of other agencies to effectively prevent crime and solve problems (ibid).
Community policing is based on a systematic relationship between the police and the
public. It involves the community working together with the police to create a safe and secure
environment (Ikuteyijo, 2009). The role of the police is not limited to enforcing laws but also
includes addressing a wide range of community issues (Okeshola and Mudiare, 2013). The
transition from traditional policing to community policing is a global trend, and the Nigeria
Police is no exception. Community policing is seen as a key aspect of police reform efforts
(Okiro, 2007).
In Nigeria, the police recognized the need to collaborate with other stakeholders in
addressing community issues, which led to the implementation of community policing. To
better understand this approach, seven senior officers from the Nigerian police travelled to the
United Kingdom and the United States to conduct a comparative study of community policing
in 2003 (Anucha, 2007). The initiative was officially launched on April 27, 2004, by the
Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, during the administration of President Olusegun
Obasanjo, with Kano State serving among the pilot states (Anucha, 2007 and Ikuteyijo, 2009).
In Kano state, the concept of community policing is not new, but the way it was applied
varied. The existence groups such as the 'Yankomiti' (Anti-Social Vices Committee) and the
Kano State Hisbah Board helped to combat criminal activities by working in
conjunction with security agencies, particularly the police, to protect lives and property and
prevent crime. For example, community policing groups aided the police in curbing criminal
activities such as kidnapping, burglary, fraud, rape, and the kidnapping of children.
Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of community policing on crime
prevention in the Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
The phenomenon of crime has been in existence since time immemorial. It is a social
problem that has demanded public outcry. Despite efforts by the government, from the federal
to the local level, to implement crime-fighting strategies, crime continues to persist and even
increase in Nigeria. The impact of crime on the education, economy, and social well-being of
the people is widespread and significant. Despite increased support for the Nigerian police
service in terms of personnel, logistics, and firearms, it appears that the more resources that are
devoted to fighting crime, the higher the rate of criminal activities.
In a frantic effort to address the surge in criminal activity, both federal and state
governments have increased their support for the Nigeria Police Service by providing
additional personnel, logistics, and firearms. However, despite these efforts, it appears that the
more resources are put into fighting crime, the more crimes are being committed. The situation
is becoming increasingly alarming due to the apparent inadequacy and ineffectiveness of law
enforcement in controlling crime. Despite government agencies' involvement in crime
prevention, it remains a persistent problem that is growing in Nigeria, resulting in a rising toll
of lives and property lost.
The police, in particular, have failed to effectively fulfil their primary duty of protecting
citizens, resulting in a rise in criminal activity and a feeling of fear and insecurity. This, in turn,
hurts the local economy and socio-economic activities. Additionally, crime-fighting agencies
face several challenges such as inadequate staffing, limited knowledge about criminal activity
in local communities, inadequate personnel training, and a shortage of advanced weapons. In
an attempt to combat the high crime rate, the police have increased their presence and
conducted joint patrols with the military. They have also stationed armed personnel carriers at
high-crime zones. However, based on available information, these measures have not been
successful in reducing the occurrence of crime in the area. These issues contribute to an
increase in criminal activity in the society.
In Kano, criminal activity encompasses a range of offences such as car theft, burglary,
armed robbery, fraud, drug abuse, and gang violence (Daily Trust, 2022). These criminal acts
have instilled fear in citizens and have resulted in the loss of lives and property over the years.
The concept of community policing was introduced in Kano as a way to augment the efforts of
the police in reducing crime (Akintonde, 2022). Since 2015, community members have widely
embraced this approach, as it aligns with their traditional system of maintaining social order,
and they actively participate in it (Tribune Online, 2021). However, it has been noted that the
effectiveness of the system has diminished for several reasons. It lacks adequate resources to
effectively combat crime, and in some instances, the vigilante groups themselves have been
known to engage in criminal behaviour and harbour criminals. Additionally, they have used
the system as a means to oppress those who do not belong to their groups and other members
of society.
Given this context, citizens need to play a key role in preventing and controlling crime.
They can complement the efforts of the government by taking steps such as building fences,
forming neighborhood watch groups, and being vigilant in observing their surroundings. These
are just some of the ways that citizens can participate in community policing and help control
crime in Nigeria. However, citizens may also face challenges in their efforts to assist the
government in addressing criminal activity. These challenges may include a lack of resources,
a shortage of advanced weapons, and a lack of cooperation from the public, among others.
This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of current methods for
controlling crime and calls for a change in strategies. As a result, community policing was
introduced in the state. However, since its introduction as a pilot project in 2004, limited
research based on empirical data has been conducted to determine the impact of community
policing on reducing crime in the area. Most of the information available is based on media
reports and speculation. This study aims to fill this research gap by providing empirical data to
assess the impact of community policing in crime prevention, specifically in Nassarawa Local
Government Area of Kano State.
1.3 Research Questions
The research questions that this study intends to address are:
1.
What is the public's perception of the impact of community policing in
Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State?
2.
What is the relationship between the Nigerian police and the public in
the implementation of community policing in the Nassarawa Local Government Area?
3.
What measures can be taken to enhance the effectiveness of community
policing in the Nassarawa Local Government Area?
4.
What are the challenges of community policing in crime prevention in
Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are:
1.
To examine the public's perception of the impact of community policing
in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
2.
To understand the relationship between the Nigerian police and the
vigilante in carrying out community policing in Nassarawa Local Government Area of
Kano State.
3.
To provide suggestions for improving the effectiveness of community
policing in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
4.
To find out the challenges of community policing in crime prevention
in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, community
policing has not received much research in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, compared to the
extensive research conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom. The effectiveness
of community policing is a timely topic given the current debate over the implementation of
state police in Nigeria. This research will provide a deeper understanding of the effectiveness
of community policing in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State and how it can be
best implemented in Nigeria. The study will also offer solutions to the challenges faced by the
Nigerian police in their relationship with the public and provide a new direction for the
Nigerian police force. The findings of this study can be used to make recommendations to
stakeholders in the Nigerian police force, security experts, public analysts, and the general
public to influence the implementation of community policing in communities throughout
Nigeria. Practically, the study will draw attention to the need for the police to strengthen their
relationship with community members to reduce crime effectively. It will also help the general
public to understand how community policing can enhance or hinder crime control when
properly implemented.
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This research project will focus specifically on the impact of community policing in
Nigeria. It will contribute new insights to the existing body of knowledge on the topic, as there
is limited research on community policing in Nigeria, particularly in the study area of
Nassarawa Local Government Area in Kano state. The research is also limited by financial
constraints, which restrict the study to only one local government area.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the literature review on the impact of community policing in
the Nassarawa Local Government Area in Kano state. It presents the theoretical literature that
guides this study, empirical studies similar to this and the conceptual framework of the study.
The literature review and the theoretical framework are reviewed around the objectives of the
study.
2.1 Theoretical Literature
2.1.1 Concept of Community Policing
The origins of community policing can be traced back to early 19th century London
when Sir Robert Peel established the Metropolitan London Police and introduced community
constables, also known as "bobbies". Peel believed in the idea that "the police are the public
and the public are the police" (Fridell, 2004). This concept was introduced by Sir Robert Peel
in his rationalization of the newly created Metropolitan London Police District (Patterson,
2007; Brogden and Nijhar, 2005).
Community policing was first introduced in the US in the 1960s with the goal of
improving police-community relations and reducing crime fears (Cordner, 1999; Innes, 2003).
During the 1990s, the deployment of 100,000 new community police officers made it a
dominant policing strategy in the US (Cordner, 1999, 2007a). This shift in focus emphasized
problem-solving and community involvement instead of just reactive policing (Innes, 2003).
According to Weisheit et al. (1994), community policing was born from social trends
and movements such as victims' rights and civil rights, leading to 13 demands on the police to
be more responsive and accountable to the public. Bucqueroux (2006) argues that community
policing arose in response to the unintended consequences of a modernizing policing
profession, such as changes in police-community relationships due to technology and the
perceived responsibility of the police to keep the community safe through scientific
management.
In general, community policing is agreed to involve problem-solving and community
engagement with a focus on police-community partnerships to address issues such as crime,
fear of crime, social and physical disorder, and neighborhood decline (Trojanowicz and
Bucqueroux, 1990; Palmiotto, 2000).
Community policing is not just a series of projects, but rather a change in decisionmaking and culture within police departments. It is an organizational strategy that allows
residents and neighborhood police officers to set priorities and determine the best means of
achieving them. Community policing is a process, not a product (Skogan 2006).
Community-oriented policing, also known as community policing, involves
collaboration between the police and community to identify and solve community problems,
with the police serving as partner guardians of law and order and community members
becoming more active in enhancing safety and neighborhood quality. Community policing is a
proactive philosophy that focuses on solving problems related to crime, quality of life, and
reducing citizens' fear of crime. It involves identifying, analyzing, and addressing the root
causes of community problems (Okeshola and Mudiare 2013). Strategies include community
partnership, problem-solving, and change management.
2.1.2 Concept of Crime Prevention
According to the United Nations guidelines for crime prevention, it is defined as efforts
to lower the likelihood of crimes happening and minimise the negative impact they have on
individuals and society, such as crime-related fear. Over the years, research on crime
prevention has led to the creation of several strategies, including developmental,
environmental, situational, social, and community-based crime prevention measures. The UN
has categorized these approaches and programs into four main groups;

Social Development-based Crime Prevention - This category encompasses various
social, educational, health, and training programs aimed at supporting at-risk children
and families, particularly during early childhood. These early intervention programs
aim to foster resilience and social skills in children and their families and are sometimes
referred to as developmental crime prevention.

Community/Locally-based Crime Prevention - This approach targets high-risk areas
instead of individuals. These areas typically suffer from high levels of deprivation in
terms of resources, services, and wealth, as well as low community cohesion. Examples
of these areas include slums, inner-city housing projects, and suburban areas with a
concentration of economic and social problems. The goal of such programs is to
improve safety and security for residents, address community concerns, and enhance
services and social capital (e.g. a network of social relationships, trust, shared values,
and community involvement) in the community. Community crime prevention often
involves the active participation of residents and organizations and seeks to alter the
conditions that contribute to offending, victimization, and crime-related insecurity by
tapping into the initiatives, expertise, and dedication of community members. The term
"community" can refer to small neighborhoods, city areas, small villages or towns, or
groups of citizens with specific concerns.

Situational Crime Prevention - This approach focuses on reducing the opportunities for
people to engage in criminal activities, increasing the likelihood of being caught and
decreasing the rewards. The UN Guidelines for the Prevention of Crime describe it as
a method to "prevent crimes by reducing opportunities, raising the risks of being caught,
and minimizing rewards, through techniques such as environmental design and
providing support and information to potential and actual victims." This approach is
closely linked to environmental crime prevention and crime prevention through
environmental design, which specifically addresses changes to the physical
environment.

Reintegration Programs - This type of crime prevention focuses on individuals who
have already been involved in the criminal justice system, including those in custody
and those returning to the community. According to the UN Guidelines for the
Prevention of Crime, the aim is to "prevent recidivism by supporting the social
integration of offenders and implementing other preventive measures." People who
have been convicted of crimes face a high risk of reoffending due to a lack of legitimate
opportunities, limited life and job skills, and strong ties to criminal networks.
Reintegration programs aim to help them transition back into society by providing
education, job training, alternative lifestyles, support and housing. These programs may
take place in the community or in halfway homes or sheltered homes that provide a safe
living environment and support services. They may also involve conflict resolution
training or the use of restorative justice methods, such as victim-offender mediation or
community-based programs.
2.1.3 Concept of Community Crime Prevention
Community-based crime prevention operates on the idea that private citizens can have
a significant impact on preventing crime in their communities. The focus of these programs is
to "enhance the involvement of individual citizens, small groups, and volunteer-based
community organizations in efforts aimed at reducing crime and enhancing neighborhood life"
(Rosenbaum, p. 324).
According to Rosenbaum, Community crime prevention has gone through various
stages of evolution, from being just a public relations tactic by police in the 1960s, to involving
community members in crime prevention techniques in the 1970s, to receiving funding from
federal crime prevention initiatives in the late 1970s, to being seen as a promising solution by
many scholars in the 1980s. However, it is now understood that community groups need the
support of law enforcement, adequate funding, and technical assistance to effectively prevent
urban crime.
Three programs, known as the "Big Three," have made a significant impact on citizenled crime prevention in the United States. These programs are crime prevention security
surveys, Operation Identification, and Neighborhood Watch. Crime prevention security
surveys are used to identify potential targets of crime, such as a poorly lit area or an open
window, by conducting a detailed inspection by a crime prevention expert. These experts are
usually local police officers who identify security risks and provide recommendations to reduce
criminal opportunities.
Operation Identification, which started in California in 1963, involves marking personal
items with a unique code that can be linked to the owner. The idea is to discourage theft by
reducing the value of the marked property and making it easier for owners to identify their
items. A study by Whitaker in 1994 showed that 25% of households in the United States
participated in Operation Identification.
Neighborhood Watch programs aim to reduce crime by increasing the involvement of
residents in crime prevention. The programs encourage residents to collaborate to make their
neighbourhoods safer by watching each other's property, improving community relationships,
and holding meetings to plan and share information about the neighborhood. According to a
survey by Garafolo and McLeod, many Neighborhood Watch programs include property
marking, home security surveys, meetings to discuss neighborhood information and
neighborhood newsletters. Over a third of these programs also include efforts to improve the
physical environment of the neighborhood. Neighborhood Watch can also serve as a platform
to combine multiple crime prevention strategies.
Community crime prevention has its history, distinct from that of the police. However,
citizens alone are unlikely to have a significant impact on crime prevention without the support
of law enforcement, adequate funding, and technical assistance. Community policing, on the
other hand, recognizes the importance of community involvement in preventing crime and
encourages police agencies to build relationships with the community, engage with them, and
involve them in crime prevention efforts. Community policing views citizens as partners in the
effort to create safer neighborhoods.
2.1.4 Importance of Community Policing
According to Andy (2004), there are several benefits to community policing, including;
increased public accountability through participation, empowering communities to address
their concerns, increased interaction and trust between police officers and the community,
positive relationships between police and community, improved perceptions of safety and
reduced fear of crime, and reduced crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour.
Clarke and Eck (2002) noted that research has shown that community involvement in
policing has modest impacts on reducing crime and disorder. They also stated that the more
personal the police contacts are, the more effective they will be in reducing crime.
Grinc (1994) believed that crime and disorder are the responsibility of both the
community and the police and that they must work together in a cooperative and reciprocal
relationship to address these issues. Community involvement in policing empowers citizens to
become partners with the police in making their communities safer, rather than simply relying
on police as experts to solve problems.
2.1.5 Features of Community Policing
The most common features of the community policing framework include

community partnership or engagement

a problem-solving orientation; and

a focus on administrative decentralization (Skogan, 2006).
1. Community Engagement
Building and preserving trust in the community is crucial to the success of
community policing. This approach involves a broader outlook on policing that goes
beyond just enforcement, acknowledging the importance of police actions that
contribute to community stability and wellbeing, such as improving neighborhood
conditions, providing social services, increasing personal safety through visits, and
simply walking the beat. These actions help foster trust between police and the
community, leading to better information sharing and support for crime control.
Community engagement also requires active involvement from community
members, including reporting crimes, participating in crime prevention projects, and
contributing to determining policing priorities and resource allocation. The goal of
community policing is to integrate police into the community and empower
communities to address crime and disorder.
2. Problem-Solving or Problem-Oriented Policing
Problem-solving policing is proactive rather than reactive, unlike traditional
policing. Traditional policing focused on responding to crime scenes and collecting
information from victims and witnesses. Thus, in the past, the police equated crime
prevention and police effectiveness with arrest and incapacitation (Skogan, 2006: 7).
Problem-solving policing is based on the idea that crime and disorder can be
reduced by thoroughly analyzing problems in specific areas and applying appropriate
resources. It assumes that individuals make decisions based on the opportunities
available in their physical and social environment (Eck and Sherman, 1987). This
approach is referred to as problem-oriented policing and according to Eck and Sherman
means;
Problem-solving policing involves the public in identifying and prioritizing a
range of community problems, including non-criminal issues like abandoned cars on
the streets. The traditional model of problem-solving, called SARA, involves these four
steps:

Scan: Identify problems and prioritize them with community involvement.

Analyze: Gather information on offenders, victims, and crime locations.

Respond: Develop innovative strategies that address priority problems and use
community-based resources.

Assess: Evaluate the success of the strategy by self-assessment to determine the
implementation and impact of the plan (Goldstein, 2003).
These steps emphasize a creative and holistic approach to problem-solving that goes
beyond traditional enforcement tactics. Effective problem-solving and problem-oriented
policing require major changes to police structure and authority. This involves empowering
street-level officers to identify problems and solutions with community involvement, which
typically requires restructuring and decentralizing police departments.
3. Administrative Decentralization
This is closely linked to the implementation of community policing. Having
successful community collaborations and creating efficient problem-resolution
methods necessitates the use of a new adaptable approach to police management.
Community policing highlights the significance of police officers as individuals and
the patrol’s role in policing. The previous professional model of policing gave little
regard to patrol officers despite the vast responsibilities they held (Bureau of Justice
Assistance, 1994). Community policing demands a change in assigning responsibility,
authority, and accountability to lower levels of the police force, particularly to patrol
officers. Patrol officers are empowered with extensive discretion and decision-making
abilities so that they can work with community input to decide the best course of action
for the community and how to execute it.
The change in duties and status of patrol officers is crucial for community
involvement and problem resolution in community policing, but it also has major
organizational and management impacts on police departments. The police
organization must be reorganized to support the expanded role of patrol officers,
promote cooperation in problem-solving, and decentralize the structure. Instead of topdown decision-making, community policing requires the identification of problems and
decision-making to occur from the bottom up. Traditionally, police services were not
designed to efficiently address the needs and demands of communities and struggled
with balancing multiple priorities within one jurisdiction (Skogan, 2006: 6). With
decentralization and community involvement, the police can better respond to the
specific problems and concerns of individual communities.
While not a fundamental function of community policing, its ability to decrease the
public's fear of crime has been recognized and appreciated by police departments that have
adopted it. Fear of crime can restrict neighborhood activity by keeping residents indoors,
leading to an increase in crime. Research has shown that the perception of public disorder has
a greater impact on fear of crime than the actual crime rate in a community (Kelling and Moore,
1988).
2.1.6 Community Policing Groups in Kano
Vigilantism; According to Baker (2005), vigilantism refers to self-policing by groups
at the community level. These groups are made up of landlords, tenants, community
associations, and neighborhood leaders, who collect information on suspected criminals and
pass it on to the police to detect and prevent crime. In the early 1990s, vigilante groups emerged
in almost all local governments within the Kano metropolis and existed in three forms:
Yan'Kato dagora (traditional vigilante groups), Yan'sintiri nafarin kaya (neighborhood watch),
and Yan'kwamitin unguwa (neighborhood security committee) (Yaqub and Olaniyi, 2004:12).
When vigilante groups captured suspects, they would hand them over to the police for further
investigation and eventual trial. The police often collaborated with the vigilante groups by
inviting them to join in joint night patrol operations.
Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC); The PCRC aimed to improve the
relationship between the police and the community they serve, with the hope that this improved
relationship would lead to more effective policing. The goal was to improve the image of the
police and create a more positive public perception of their role in crime prevention. This policy
shift was initiated in response to an increase in crime rates in the mid-1980s.
The success of the Sabongari(a local government in Kano) PCRC led the Kano State
police command to establish the Kano State PCRC to coordinate activities at the local
government level. This was done to ensure effective grassroots policing and curb crime. The
approach of community policing was adopted and improved upon, through the provision of
patrol vehicles at strategic locations for quick response to distress calls, and a proactive
partnership between citizens and the police to identify and solve security problems. The PCRC
has also improved the relationship between the police and vigilante groups.
Hisbah; The concept of Hisbah refers to the role of Muslims in advising and
counselling each other to perform good deeds and avoid bad ones, based on Islamic teachings.
Hisbah corps, as described by Ahmed (2005), plays a supportive role in law enforcement
agencies such as the police. They participate in joint patrols, maintain order and control crowds
in certain situations, provide security at certain places and facilities, and make arrests. In short,
the Hisbah concept focuses on promoting moral and ethical behavior following Islamic
teachings and its corps assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining order, traffic control,
preventing criminal activities and ensuring lawful commercial practices.
2.2 Review of Empirical Literature
Swanson, Territo and Taylor (1998) on the need for community policing noted that
there is very little empirical evidence to suggest that community policing works. That is why
in September 1994 the U.S congress passed the crime bill that provided a total of $8.9 billion
for the allocation of 100,000 new local police officers over five years (1995-2000) to increase
and support community policing efforts. Schmalleger (1995) conducted a survey on
community policing in Reno, Nevada a city of 120,000 residents with 313 police officers
following a 1987 survey of public opinion which revealed that the police department suffered
from a serious image problem. According to him, community policing efforts began under
Chief R.V. Bradshaw, following the defeat of the two public referendums to increase funding
levels for the department. Following these and other well-publicized efforts to improve the
department’s image, community surveys reported a considerable degree of success. While the
initial 1987 survey found only 31.6% of residents feeling good about the police department, a
similar 1992 survey revealed 68.7% of the populace reporting such feelings. Similarly, 33% of
respondents reported that officers “did not convey a feeling of concern” but 67% of the officers
feel concerned about the development. Eventually, renewed citizen satisfaction with the Reno
police department resulted in the success of a local tax referendum that provided additional
officers- a 39% increase in sworn personnel.
A survey conducted in August 2004 in Lagos metropolis by Alemika and Chukwuma
(2005) noted that because of the high incidence and fear of crime in Nigeria, many communities
and individuals took several measures to reduce their feeling of vulnerability and minimize the
risk of victimization. One of the measures created was Police Community Relations Committee
(PCRC). The provision for the establishment of PCRC in police divisions was aimed at
developing public–police partnerships (community policing) in the fight against crime in
society. The study shows that a third (34%) of the respondents stated that PCRC existed in their
area, while 66% reported that they are aware of the role of the Police Community Relations
Community (Alemika and Chukwuma, 2005:4). Another survey conducted by Alemika and
Chukwuma (2007) on Criminal victimization, safety and policing in Nigeria revealed that 48%
(i.e, less than half) of Nigerians agreed that the police are doing everything they can to help
people and to be of good service to the people. Nearly 3/10 (i.e., 29.9%) of the respondents
disagreed that the police are not doing anything to render good services to the people and
slightly more than one-fifth (22.1%) maintained a neutral position. Alemika and Chukwuma
think that people respect, work and have confidence in the police in societies where the police
serve and work with people in circumstances other than booking them for the breach of law.
There tends to be a high level of public hostility towards the police and public where encounters
occur predominantly in the course of law enforcement. The overall public did not perceive the
police as very helpful while the overwhelming majority of respondents in some states like
Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi and Adamawa states said that the police strive to be
very helpful and of good service to the public (Alemika and Chukwuma,2007:71-3).
Relating to the efficacy of community-oriented policing (community policing) as a
reformist strategy, the empirical evidence from Kenya suggests that community policing may
be put to repressive rather than benign use (Carthra, 2009). Anthropological enquiries (relating
to the study of humankind) further to a stand-off between Western-style community policing
initiatives pursued under the help or support of reforming public police, and indigenous
community-based traditions of self-policing in rural Tanzania. Such field observations point to
the need for a more critical engagement with the Western imports of models of community
policing to the underdeveloped reality of Africa (Brogden, 2004 cited by Carthra, 2009).
2.2.1 Strategies Employed in community policing to reduce crime in the Community
Community policing is not a solitary police approach or program; it encompasses a
variety of tactics that share a common philosophy and principles about the role of police in
society, and has been implemented in various ways (Rosenbaum and Lurigio, 1994: 302). The
following assesses the effectiveness of some of the most widely used strategies associated with
community policing.
I.
Foot Patrol: The resurgence of community policing has led to a revival of the practice
of walking the beat. The idea is that having more police on the streets will not only
reduce crime but also help officers reconnect with the community. This connection
provides them with insights into the challenges and concerns of the neighborhood. The
Newark foot patrol experiment showed a significant decrease in citizens' fear of crime
and sense of disorder, according to an evaluation. The same results were found in
Houston two years later, where people felt safer and saw less disorder, but the actual
amount of crime remained the same. The overall conclusion was that the increased foot
patrols didn't impact crime levels in either Newark or Houston (Pate et al., 1986).
II.
Community Meetings: Community meetings are another way to increase public-police
contact in community policing, where the public can voice their concerns and work
with the police to solve issues. Evaluations of these meetings have varying results. An
evaluation of the Madison, WI community policing project that included community
meetings found no decrease in crime. However, the analysis of the beat meetings in the
Chicago CAPS project was more positive. These meetings addressed specific crime
problems and led to suggestions for police action.
III.
Public Education Programs: Community policing public education programs serve
various purposes such as gaining public support for police and increasing police
resources, and providing information to the public on how to avoid crime or becoming
involved in it. One well-known program is D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education), founded in 1983 in LA, which teaches children from K to 12 to resist peer
pressure and live drug-free lives through police officer-led lessons. Despite its debated
effectiveness, D.A.R.E. has been adopted by 75% of US school districts and over 43
countries (D.A.R.E. America, 1996).
IV.
Neighbourhood Town Meetings: Neighbourhood town meetings, also known as
community meetings, provide a platform for maintaining contact between the police
and the public. Unlike Neighborhood Watch meetings, town meetings are held in public
spaces like schools or community centres and are widely advertised for maximum
attendance. The meetings offer a venue for exchanging information and identifying,
analyzing and prioritizing community problems. They also give police a chance to gain
public support for initiatives by explaining their importance and benefits to the
community (Wycoff and Skogan, 1993).
2.2.2 Impact of community policing in Reducing Crime in the Community
Community policing enhances police-community relationships (Segrave and Ratcliffe,
2004) by providing police with a chance to meet community needs (Ferreira, 1996) and
increase public oversight of police through participation (Skolnick and Bayley, 1988;
Palmiotto, 2000). Many initiatives have demonstrated positive outcomes in police-community
relations and public perceptions of police (Skogan and Steiner, 2004; Sadd and Grinc, 1996).
Community policing can enhance community involvement and empower communities
to tackle their problems (Segrave and Ratcliffe, 2004). This results in stronger communities
that are more proactive in addressing safety concerns (Mastrofski, 2006). However,
communities that already have a high level of involvement may not see as much benefit from
community policing initiatives, as they are already actively addressing issues related to
community safety (Mayhill, 2006).
There is substantial anecdotal evidence indicating that community policing has a
positive impact on the police, as it results in increased job satisfaction and improved
relationships between the police and the community (Mayhill, 2006; Patterson, 2007.
According to Mayhill (2006), community policing "plants" police officers within the
community, allowing them to have a better understanding of local conditions and promoting a
favorable image of law enforcement. This, in turn, provides officers with opportunities to have
positive experiences and interactions with the community, leading to an increase in police
morale, thanks to the support and acceptance from the community (as noted by Palmiotto,
2000).
It is commonly believed that community policing leads to increased feelings of safety
and reduced fear of crime. Skogan (2006) suggests that there is evidence to show that increased
interaction between police and the community is linked to lower levels of fear of crime.
However, it has been noted that police and the community may have differing perceptions of
safety, with police being more likely to see a reduction in fear of crime than the community
(Sadd and Grinc, 1994).
Several studies have shown that community policing leads to reductions in the fear of
crime and improvements in perceptions of safety. The NRPP study recorded positive results in
various safety indicators (Tuffin, 2006). The CAPS evaluation showed a substantial decline in
the community's view of crime issues (Ferreira, 1996; Skogan and Steiner, 2004).
Alemika (2019) conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of the neighborhood
watch program in Katsina, Kano and Jigawa. The study involved conducting telephone and
door-to-door surveys of residents and found that the rate of burglaries significantly decreased
in the areas where the program was implemented in Kano state, where the Anti-Social Vices
Committee (also known as Yan Komiti) works alongside security agencies, particularly the
police, to combat criminal activities and protect lives and property. The community policing
groups helped the police in suppressing the criminal activities of Yan Sara Suka, including
burglary, fraud, rape, and kidnapping.
2.2.3 Challenges Encountered in the Implementation of community policing
The implementation of community policing is often met with challenges, despite its
popularity as a reform. Patterson (2007) attributes these challenges to the incremental way
community policing is introduced, leading to rushed resource allocation and inadequate
planning. Mastrofski et al. (2007) highlight that traditional hurdles such as resistance to change,
limited resources, and a resistant police culture continue to pose obstacles to successful
implementation.
There are many challenges in effectively implementing community policing, which
have been identified by various authors (Segrave and Ratcliffe, 2004; Sadd and Grinc, 1996).
Mayhill (2006) outlines the barriers to successful implementation and its potential unintended
consequences, such as a lack of organizational commitment and culture change, a lack of
community engagement and ownership, unequal power dynamics, a lack of control and
customization at the local level, a lack of incentives and training for officers, a mismatch
between police beats and community perceptions, a lack of community capacity, unclear
definitions of community roles, insufficient crime information for communities, and a lack of
feedback on actions taken.
According to Mayhill (2006), if community policing is not properly implemented, it
could result in negative consequences such as lack of officers’ support and cooperation,
unrealistic community expectations, reduced community engagement, imbalance in problemsolving benefits among different communities, increased divisions within communities, and
illegal actions taken by community members in response to issues.
Carroll Buracker and Associates Ltd (2007) believe that the majority of police officers
lack training in forming partnerships and engaging the community. This lack of training may
hinder the full potential of community policing from being realized. Skogan (2006) points out
that training is often inadequate due to the demanding nature of community policing.
Polzin (2007) argues that to make community policing successful, all obstacles must be
acknowledged during the planning stage. Some common organizational barriers include
insufficient involvement of police management in the design, implementation and monitoring
of the initiative, disagreements regarding resource allocation and personnel deployment,
misunderstandings or disputes over changes in department systems and structures, disinterest
from middle management, conflicting management styles between central command and
expanded decision-making by line officers, and unequal treatment of community policing
officers.
Despite various efforts by the Nigerian police to reduce crime, it remains persistent in
the country, leading to the loss of lives and property worth millions of naira. The continued
high level of crime is often attributed to a lack of equipment and poor police-public relations,
as highlighted by the Dawn Newspaper in 2011. Some factors affecting the implementation of
community policing in Nigeria also include;

Corruption: These widespread corrupt practices among police officers has resulted in
low public trust in the police force and a lack of cooperation between the police and
citizens in crime reporting and solving. This leads to an increased vulnerability of the
population to crime and reduces the effectiveness of police efforts to control crime
(Human Rights Watch, 2010). Additionally, corruption also creates an enabling
environment for criminal activities as corrupt officers often aid and abet criminal
elements (Dawn Newspaper, 2011). To effectively address crime and promote public
safety, The Nigerian government must take strong measures to root out corruption
within the police force and improve police-community relationships.
This means addressing the root causes such as poverty, lack of transparency and
accountability, lack of trust in public institutions, lack of adequate remuneration, lack
of effective disciplinary mechanisms, and lack of proper training and education. All of
these factors contribute to the culture of corruption within the police force and need to
be addressed if there is to be any meaningful change. In addition, the government must
take decisive steps to tackle corruption, including passing and implementing laws that
promote transparency and accountability, strengthening anti-corruption institutions,
and providing support and resources to the police to help them combat corruption
effectively.

Institutional Constraints: Some of the factors cited by Onyeozili (2005) as contributing
to the challenges in the administration of justice in Nigeria include: political influence,
lack of resources, poor infrastructure, poor remuneration of law enforcement officers,
ineffective training and poor working conditions, low morale among personnel, high
levels of corruption and abuse of power, and a lack of accountability and transparency.
Additionally, the justice system is often plagued by inefficiency and long delays,
making it difficult for victims of crime to receive justice and hold perpetrators
accountable. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is required, one that
focuses on systemic reforms, capacity building, and improved governance.
These factors contribute to the poor performance of the Nigerian police and undermine
their ability to effectively carry out their duties of maintaining law and order and ensuring the
safety of the citizens. Improving the conditions of service, increasing manpower, providing
adequate training and equipment, and addressing corruption within the police force are critical
to building a more effective and efficient police force in Nigeria. Good policy and political will
are also needed to ensure that these changes are implemented and sustained over time(Dufka
2010).
2.3 Review of Relevant Theories
In this study, the impact of community policing in preventing crime in the study area is
analysed using two theories: the broken window theory and the gap theory. The broken window
theory was chosen for use in this study.
Therefore, this section will examine various models and theories that are pertinent to
the study and highlight their strengths and limitations. The most suitable theory will then be
selected as the theoretical framework for this research.
2.3.1 Broken Window Theory
The broken window theory was popularized by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling
in a March 1982 article in The Atlantic Monthly. According to this theory, public disorder
offences like vandalism and rowdy behavior can contribute to a decline in the quality of a
neighborhood and fear of crime, leading to even more serious crimes if not addressed by the
community and law enforcement. The theory posits that neglecting minor offences such as
prostitution, drunkenness, and pickpocketing can escalate into more significant crimes like
kidnapping, assassination, rape, burglary, and fraud.
This is because small crimes like vandalism and broken windows can give the
impression that the community is disregarded and that both residents and the police have lost
control. Conversely, an increase in police presence and enforcement of informal conduct rules
and laws can make a community appear less chaotic and safer, thereby encouraging residents
to become more engaged and reducing crime rates.
The broken window theory can be integrated into the concept of community policing,
where joint efforts by the police and community residents can help reduce crime rates. This
approach aligns with the Yoruba proverb that states "The insect that destroys the vegetable
resides right inside the vegetable." The broken window theory assumes that most neighborhood
crimes are often committed by local offenders and can best be solved locally. The theory is
useful in illustrating the collaboration between the police and the community in crime
detection, as increased contact between the police and citizens will result in both minor and
major crime issues being addressed, reducing crime and fear of crime in the community.
However, recent advancements have called into question the efficacy of the theory as
some crimes are committed by individuals who do not reside in the area where the crime takes
place. For instance, cybercrime can be perpetrated by individuals who are far from the victims.
Despite this, the theory still encourages the police and the public to analyze crime and disorder
and develop strategies to combat criminal activity.
2.3.2 Social Change Theory
Social change is a central concept in sociology, which is the study of society. Sociology
developed as a result of changes in society and its evolution is reflected in the works of the
founders of the discipline. Social change refers to alterations in the social structure and
organization of society over time, whether in size, complexity, direction, or function (Wilmot,
1985). According to social change theorists, change can be triggered by internal and external
factors, which can be functional or dysfunctional for the survival of society. Factors that can
cause change include diffusion between societies, innovations and inventions within society,
as well as crises and conflicts. Social change can result in progress or regression for society
members. Technological advancements and innovations often provide opportunities for
criminals to carry out certain crimes outside of society, disrupting the peaceful coexistence of
the community. Social change involves alterations in the structure or organization of society or
its components over time and any change in one component is believed to affect the entire
structure of society. When a new policy or reform, such as community policing, is introduced,
it can have a significant impact and a ripple effect on the people and the environment, but this
impact may eventually dissipate as other factors come into play.
This idea is in line with Parsons' view(the leading proponent of the social change
theory) on social change as a state of equilibrium, where he sees society as constantly evolving
due to the interconnectedness of its different structures. Any changes in one structure will
inevitably impact the others, and society tends towards a state of stability as the different parts
perform their designated functions. According to Parsons, even extended periods of crime,
labour strikes, religious crises, or civil unrest are seen as temporary disruptions in the status
quo, rather than significant changes in the social structure. This highlights the relationship
between the system and its environment, as for society to thrive, the social system must have
some degree of control over its surroundings.
Community policing aims to improve the relationship between law enforcement and
the community through collaboration and cooperation. By working together, police and
residents can identify and address the root causes of crime and disorder, creating a safer and
more secure community. The goal is to promote trust, transparency and accountability in
policing so that the community feels empowered to take an active role in preventing crime and
promoting public safety. Through community policing, law enforcement agencies can develop
new and innovative strategies for addressing crime and disorder, as well as build stronger
relationships with residents that can serve as a model for other communities facing similar
challenges.
Parsons believed that there are three inevitable processes of social change in society.
The first is differentiation, which means that different parts of society become more complex
and specialized. An example of this in the criminal justice field is the development of different
specialized functions. To ensure the effective functioning of these specialized parts, integration
is necessary. Without contributing to order and stability, it's hard to see how society can change.
Parsons argued that no social system is ever in a state of perfect balance, but a certain level of
balance is crucial for the survival of society.
The second process of social change according to Parsons, is adaptation which refers
to the changes in the environment that affect the system. The changing environment, such as
changes in crime patterns, might make the system no longer effective and a change in the
system might become necessary. Community policing addresses this problem by having a
community-based approach where the police work with the community to understand the
changing crime patterns and to address them. This creates a collaborative effort between the
police and the community in solving crime problems, which could lead to an improved state of
equilibrium.
The third process is goal attainment, which refers to the achievement of certain goals
or objectives within the social system. Community policing seeks to achieve certain goals such
as reducing crime, increasing public safety and improving the quality of life in the community.
Community policing provides a mechanism for the police to work with the community in
setting priorities and goals for crime control, and then working together to achieve these goals.
In conclusion, Parsons' theory of social change provides a useful framework for
understanding the role of community policing in the criminal justice system. The concept of
community policing is in line with Parsons' views on differentiation, adaptation and goal
attainment, and helps to bring about a more stable and equitable state of equilibrium in society.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter will focus on the methods, approaches, and procedures that will be utilized
to achieve the empirical aspect of the research. The section will give a comprehensive
explanation of the methodology that will be used for gathering, displaying, and interpreting the
research data. The sub-sections within this chapter will encompass the research design, the
population under study, the sample size and sampling methods, the methods for collecting data,
the method for analysing data, and any issues that may arise.
3.1
Study Area
Nassarawa Local Government was established in 1991 and has a population of 294,067
as per the 2006 National Population Commission Census. It is one of the most populated local
government areas in Kano. It consists of 11 wards: Giginyu, Hotoron Arewa, Hotoron Kudu,
Dakata, Tudun Wada, Kaura Goje, Gama, Gwagwarwa, Gawuna, Tudun Murtala, and Kawaji.
It is surrounded by four other local governments: Tarauni in the south, Kano Municipal in the
west, Minjibir in the north, and Ungogo in the east-west.
The divisional police headquarters of Nassarawa Local Government is located in
Bompai and oversees various police divisional outposts in Nassarawa, Gwagwarwa, Kwana
Hudu, Hotoro, Dakata, and Gama. All of these outposts are under the supervision of a division
police officer. The majority of residents are Hausa and Fulani who live primarily in Tudun
Wada, Hotoron Arewa, Hotoron Kudu, Kaura Goje, and Giginyu. Other minority groups like
Bura and Kanuri can be found mainly in Kawo (Giginyu ward) and Rimin-Kebe (Gawuna
ward). Yorubas, Igbos, and Ogojas are mainly located in Badawa quarters (Giginyu ward),
while Kataf, Billiri, and Tangale Waja can be found in Kawo, Badawa, and Hotoron Arewa
respectively. The area is predominantly Muslim. Brigade is a region that covers five out of the
11 wards of Nassarawa Local Government and is made up of many ethnic groups. Some people
attribute the area's uniqueness to its proximity to the police barracks, while others believe it
was a designated area for non-indigenous settlers during the monarchy era. The five Brigade
wards (Tudun Wada, Gawuna, Gwagwarwa, Gama, and Kaura Goje) are politically significant
due to their large voter population
3.2
Research Design
The study will employ the mixed method approach, wherein researchers collect and
analyse quantitative and qualitative data within a single study. The essence of adopting this
method is based on the fact that the study is a snapshot study of the impact of community
policing on crime prevention.
The choice of survey design was justified because it allows the researcher to gain a
depth and breadth of understanding of a specific concept and because it is appropriate to the
study objectives which are concerned with obtaining opinions, attitudes and beliefs of a group
of people (sample).
3.3
Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
The study would employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. A descriptive
survey design would be employed as data would be collected using a questionnaire method.
Questionnaires will be distributed to a total sample of (120) respondents who will be selected
for the study using a simple random sampling technique. The stratified sampling method allows
the researcher to divide the entire target population into sub-groups, or strata, and then
randomly select proportionally from different strata (Dejo et al 2013: 88). This is a technique
that allows the researcher to divide the area of study into various units or strata for easy
accessibility and also to have a cross view of respondents from a different point of view.
Similarly, 5 respondents will be selected for the in-depth interview. This research took
its sample from four wards in the local government that are considered to be more populated,
where social and economic activities are most prevalent. This research will take its sample
from four specific wards in the local government that are believed to be highly populated and
where social and economic activities are prevalent. The wards in question are Kaura Goje,
Gama, Gwagwarwa, and Kwana Hudu, and will be selected due to their high levels of economic
and social activities within the local government.
3.4
Methods of Data Collection
The purpose of research is to collect data and also to interpret the information collected,
this type of data determines the quality of the result. It is in this vein that the questionnaire and
interview will be employed as a tool the for collection of data. The questionnaire consists of
both open-ended and close-ended questions. This allows the researcher to obtain valid
information about the subject of study and also gives them a fair chance of airing out their
view.
The interview method will also be used in obtaining information from respondents. The
interview method is verbal communication for eliciting information. An interview is any faceto-face conversational exchange where one person collects information from another. In this
study, the interview method will be used in collecting information from police security
personnel in selected wards, which will be determined via stratified random sampling will be
used to select representatives of each faculty, department, and level. Therefore each of the
selected wards would be represented by respondents who are knowledgeable on the subject.
The advantage of using the interview method is to corroborate the questionnaire responses and
provide sufficient information to warrant a successful completion of the research.
3.5
Method of Data Analysis
The quantitative data (numeric data) that were collected through questionnaires will be
analyzed using descriptive statistical methods including tables of frequencies and percentages
for easy understanding, it will be processed through the use of statistical packages for social
science (SPSS) version 22. For the qualitative data collected via in-depth interviews were
coded manually and transcribed to complement the quantitative data.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.0
Introduction
This chapter deals with data presentation and analysis of the data collected from the
field in the course of this research work. The chapter contains an analysis of responses elicited
from respondents in the Nassarawa Local Government Area on the impact of community
policing on crime prevention based on the research objectives sections A and B. Therefore, the
following is the interpretation of the data. The use of simple frequency, table and percentage
was adopted for easy interpretation of data. However, 120 questionnaires were administered to
the members of the Public, but only 110 were returned. The analysis was based on the 110
questionnaires returned. Similarly, an in-depth interview was conducted, and responses from
the interview were used to corroborate responses from the questionnaire.
4.1
Section A: Socio-Demographic Data of the Respondents
Table 4.1.1 Sex Distribution of the Respondents
Sex of Respondents
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Male
59
53.6
Female
51
46.4
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.1 on the sex of respondents indicates that 53.6% (59) of the respondents are
male, while 46.4%(51) of the respondents are female. The majority of the respondents are male.
This means that male respondents are the category that is most predominant in the study area
and also readily available at the time the questionnaires were distributed.
Table 4.1.2 Age Distribution of the Respondents
Age of Respondents
Frequency
Percentage (%)
16 – 20
10
9.1
21 – 25
16
14.5
26 – 30
22
20
31-35
33
30
36 and above
29
26.4
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.2 on the age of respondents indicates that 9.1% (10) of the respondents fall
within the age bracket of 16-20; 14.5% (16) of the respondents fall within the age bracket of
21-25; 20% (22) of the respondents fall within the age bracket of 26-30; 30% (33) of the
respondents fall within the age bracket of 31-35; 26.4% (29) of the respondents fall within the
age bracket of 36 and above. The majority of the respondents fall within the age bracket of 3135. This means that The majority of the respondents are youth, matured enough to elucidate
relevant information about the subject under study.
Table 4.1.3 Marital Status of Respondents
Marital Status
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Single
21
19.1
Married
51
46.4
Divorce
25
22.7
Widow
9
8.2
Separated
4
3.6
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.3 on the marital status of respondents indicates that 19.1% (2!) of the
respondents are single; 46.4% (51) of the respondents are married; 22.7% (25) of the
respondents are divorced; while 8.2% (9) of the respondents are widows and widowers, 3.6%
(4) of the respondents are living separately respectively. This shows that the majority of the
respondents are married.
Table 4.1.4 Occupation of Respondents
Occupation
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Farming
8
7.3
Student
27
24.4
Business
33
30
Civil servant
42
38.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.4 on the occupation of respondents indicates that 7.3% (8) of the respondents
are farmers; 24.4% (21) of the respondents are students; 30% (33) of the respondents are
businessmen and women; while 38.2%(42) of the respondents are in the civil service. The
majority of the respondents are in the civil service.
Table 4.1.4 Occupation of Respondents
Occupation
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Farming
8
7.3
Student
27
24.4
Business
33
30
Civil servant
42
38.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.4 on the occupation of respondents indicates that 7.3% (8) of the respondents
are farmers; 24.4% (21) of the respondents are students; 30% (33) of the respondents are
businessmen and women; while 38.2%(42) of the respondents are in the civil service. The
majority of the respondents are in the civil service.
Table 4.1.5 Occupation of Respondents
Occupation
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Farming
8
7.3
Student
27
24.4
Business
33
30
Civil servant
42
38.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.5 on the occupation of respondents indicates that 7.3% (8) of the respondents
are farmers; 24.4% (21) of the respondents are students; 30% (33) of the respondents are
businessmen and women; while 38.2%(42) of the respondents are in the civil service. The
majority of the respondents are in the civil service.
Table 4.1.6 Level of Education of the Respondents
Level of Education
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Primary
34
30.9
Secondary
27
24.5
Tertiary
30
27.3
Quranic Education
19
17.3
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.1.6 on the level of education of respondents indicates that 30.9% (34) of the
respondents have completed their primary education; 24.5% (27) of the respondents have
completed their secondary education; 27.3% (30) of the respondents have completed their
tertiary education; while 17.3% (19) of the respondents have a Qur’anic education. The
majority of the respondents have their primary education, implying that residents attribute so
much to Western education.
4.2
Section B: Information On Community Policing And Crime Prevention
Table 4.2.1 Respondents’ Perception on Whether the Police Have a Role to Play in
Combating Crime
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Yes
93
84.5
No
17
15.5
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.1 on respondent’s perception of whether police have a role to play in combating
crime indicates that 84.5% (93) of the respondents are of the view that the police do have a role
to play in combating crime, while 15.5% (17) do not accept that the police plays a vital role in
combating crime. The majority of the respondents accepted that the police play certain roles in
crime prevention and control.
Table 4.2.2 Respondents’ Assessment of Method of Preventing Crime by Police
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Very Effective
22
20
Effective
62
56.4
Average
15
13.6
Poor
11
10
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.2 on respondent’s assessment of methods of combating crime indicates that
20% (22) of the respondents rate the method adopted by the police as very effective; 56.4%
(62) of the respondents rated the methods as effective; 13.6% (15) rated the method as average;
while 10% (11) of the respondents rated the police as poor. The majority of the respondents
rated the methods adopted by the police in combating crime as effective. This means that the
police are trying their best in carrying out their duties in the study area.
Table 4.2.3 Respondents’ Perception on Whether the Public Cooperate with the Police in
Combating Crime
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Yes
81
73.6
No
29
26.4
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.3 above on whether the public cooperates with the police in combating crime
indicates that The majority of the respondents as represented by 73.6% (81) are of the view that
the public does cooperate with the police in the quest of fighting crime, while 26.4% (14) of the
respondents are of the view that the public does not cooperate with the police in fighting crime.
Table 4.2.4 Frequency Distribution Of Response About The Awareness Of Other
Stakeholders (Community Leaders, Business Owners, Schools, NGOs, Other Service
Providers And Other Criminal Justice Agencies) In Crime Prevention
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Yes
35
31.8
No
56
50.9
No Idea
19
17.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Crime prevention efforts should be inclusive for its success. Besides, the police
organization and community, other governmental and nongovernmental institutions have to
support activities of crime prevention. Regarding this, 50.9 per cent of the respondents claimed
that besides the police, no organizations were supporting their effort of tackling crime in the
area. On the other hand, 31.8 per cent of respondents replied that other organizations are
supporting them in their effort of tackling crime in the area. Whereas, 16.6 per cent of
respondents replied as they don’t know the participation of other stakeholders in crime
prevention in the study area.
To support the existence of other relevant stakeholders in the community policing project, one
of the interviewees posits that;
“Apart from being a member of the Police-Community Relations
Committee where I preside as chairman, other bodies, like
traditional institutions, vigilante groups, youth leaders and
landlords associations, are also partakers in the provision of
security and protection of lives and property in the community,
the forum provided opportunities for discussing crime and other
security related matters with the police on a prompt and regular
basis”.
Table 4.2.5 Frequency Distribution Of Community Awareness Of Community Policing
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Yes
69
62.7
No
17
15.5
No Idea
24
21.8
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
As indicated in the above table, 62.7 per cent of the respondents can explain orally the
meaning of community policing. But, 15.5 per cent responded as they have insufficient
knowledge about the meaning of community policing. Thus, the majority of the community has
awareness about the implementation of community policing in the study area, but 21.8 per cent
of them lacks the necessary knowledge about the meaning of community policing. Thus,
Nassarawa Local Government police officers should extend its effort to empower the awareness
of communities on community policing.
Our interviews with two policemen about their views on community policing made their stance
on, one of them noted:
“The essence of community policing is to foster a good
relationship between the people and the police; make the police
accountable in the discharge of their duties; be opened and
friendly with the community people so that they can get
intelligence information; the community will also help in
reducing crime and violence in the community”.
and
“The essence of community policing is to foster good relations
between the people and the police; make the police accountable
in the discharge of their duties; be opened and friendly with the
community people so that they can get intelligence information;
the community will also help in reducing crime and violence in
the community”
TABLE 4.2.6 PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN POLICING
RESPONSES
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Forming vigilante organization
16
14.5
Beating up Suspects
3
2.7
Community and police patrol
12
10.9
Provision of materials e.g flashlights
5
4.5
Informing the police about criminal activities 27
24.5
Attending and contributing to town hall 18
16.3
meetings organized by the police
No Idea
29
Total
110
26.4
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.6 above shows that (29.1%) had flawed or no idea about the roles played by
citizens in community policing, while (70.9%) of respondents had a form of understanding of
the roles of citizens(s) in community policing. This implies that the majority of the respondents
are carried along in the program and there is a significant participation by the community. That
is, the program is well implemented.
In an in-depth interview with a police officer in the area, he noted:
“There are so many ways the police can adopt in the fight
against crime. It all depends on the one that he or she feels is
most appropriate. But I think from my side and that of the police
is patrol. Patrol is a situation whereby we at every point in time
drove our vehicles along the entire area especially areas that are
considered to be pre-occupied by gangs”.
One of the interviewed officers also mentions that;
“We (police) usually receive prompt and regular intelligence
information from the people during meetings of the Peace and
Security Committee, Police-Community Relations Committee
and from the vigilante members who were always ready to assist
in arresting offenders. At times, we held meetings with the
leaders of market women and landlords associations on security
and allied matters too. The citizens pinpointed criminal hideouts
within the community and interacted freely with the police.
Through prompt responses to distress calls, the police also made
itself accountable to the people”.
Table 4.2.7 Respondents’ Perception of the Problems faced during the
Implementation of Community Policing
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Lack of support
10
9.3
Lack of logistics
4
3.6
effective 7
6.2
lack
of
facilities
for
communication
Loss of confidence in the police
11
10.2
Bribery and corruption
10
8.8
Poor implementation of policies
9
8.4
Police and the community bad relationship
30
27.3
Others
18
16.4
No response
11
10.3
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.7 above shows that the police and community bad relationship has the highest
percentage (27.3%), while lack of logistics had (3.6%) This implies that the major problem
faced by community policing since its inception is the bad relationship between the police and
the community.
This finding is congruent with the finding obtained in an in-depth interview with a
policeman stated:
“People have a negative attitude to police because of fear of the
unknown. They believe police cannot be trusted, they can reveal
secrets and identities of informants to criminals”
And another policeman also mentioned the problems may also stem from the
fact that;
” Police are not well paid like in the developed countries. They
are badly equipped and lack the desired training to keep abreast
of current developments on security matters.”
One of the surveyed police officers said;
”We face many challenges that hinder the implementation of
community policing such challenges include lack of training for
officers on community engagement philosophy and methods,
lack of good quality information about crime provided to
communities.”
Table 4.2.8 Respondents’ Assessment of Community Policing Performance
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Encouraging
48
43.6
Discouraging
42
38.2
Don’t Know
20
18.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.8 on the assessment of the performance of community policing indicates that
43.6% (48) of the respondents are of the view that the community policing programme is
encouragingly positive; 38.2% (42) of the respondents are of the view that the programme is
discouraging; while 18.2% (20) of the respondents have no idea.
Table 4.2.9 Respondents’ Assessment of the Relationship between Police and Vigilante
Groups
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Cordial
68
61.8
Not cordial
20
18.1
Antagonistic
22
20.1
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.2.9 on the assessment of the relationship between the police and the vigilante
groups indicates that 61.8% (68) of the respondents are of the view that the police and the
vigilante groups have a cordial relationship; 18.1% (20) said the relationship is not cordial;
while 20.1% (22) of the respondents are of the view that the police and the vigilante groups
have an antagonistic relationship. The majority of the respondents are of the view that the
relationship between the police and the public is cordial.
This is congruent with the finding obtained from the in-depth interview conducted. A
police officer in the area noted:
“ther0065 is a good relationship between police and vigilantes,
but it started when a new divisional police officer was
transferred to Kwana-Hudu divisional police station, the DPO
usually inquire the vigilante leaders to assist the police in
combating crime by orienting their members in their quest of
crime fighting”
Another police officer in the area noted:
“the relationship between the police and the community and
other stakeholders like vigilantes etc, cannot be left out
especially when we talk about community policing. The police at
every point in time liaise with community leaders such as
‘maiungwa’ and the’maigari’ on how to go about fighting crime.
In some cases, vigilante’s heads also give the police clue on how
criminals can be caught, and it does work”.
Table 4.3.1 Respondents’ Assessment of the Relationship between Police and Themselves
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Very good
17
15.4
Good
31
28.2
Fair
42
38.2
Bad
20
18.2
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.31 on the assessment of the relationship between the police and the respondents
indicates that 15.4% (17) of the respondents are of the view that they have a very good
relationship; 28.2% (31) said their relationship is good with the police; 38.2% (42) of the
respondents are of the view that their relationship is fair; while 18.2% (20) of the respondents
are of the view that their relationship is bad with the police. The majority of the respondents
are of the view that the relationship between the police and the public is fair.
.
Table 4.3.2 Respondents’ Perception On The Success Of Community Policing In Crime
Prevention In The Study Area
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Very good
70
63.6
Discouraging
19
17.2
Should be improved
21
19
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
For the question raised by the researcher to evaluate the success of community policing
implementation in crime prevention, 63.6 per cent of the sample population replied as the
implementation of community policing in crime prevention was successful, whereas, 17.2 per
cent of respondents said it was not successful and 19 per cent said the community policing
programme needs to be improved (Table 4. 3.2).
Based on the interview held with the police officers, the implementation of community
policing in crime prevention schemes was successful. According to the interviewees, the
implementation of community policing in the study area achieved the following successes
including;
“each person of the community according to the schedule gets
out for a round at night to keep the security of their policing site;
all members of community policing site residents keep their
locality, the unemployed were organized, people begun to expose
criminals even their relatives since the implementation of
community policing requires organizing the people into
community policing blocks, it has helped the community to
expose the criminals easily and to reduce the rate of crime
occurrence”.
Table 4.3.3 Respondents’ Perception of the Methods of Improvement of Community
Policing
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Citizen’s participation in community decision
22
20
Frequent night patrol
20
18.2
security 17
15.4
Good means of communication/relationship with 21
19.1
Making
awareness
creation
on
cautiousness
formal agencies
All of the above
30
27.3
Total
110
100
Source: Field Survey 2023
Table 4.3.3 presents the respondents' perceptions regarding solutions to improve community
policing. The findings indicate that:

20% (22) of the respondents believe that citizen participation in community decisionmaking is crucial.

18.2% (20) of the respondents suggest conducting frequent night patrols.

15.4% (17) of the respondents emphasize the importance of creating awareness about
security cautiousness.

19.1% (21) of the respondents believe that establishing a good means of
communication and relationship with formal agencies is necessary.

27.2% (30) of the respondents agree that all the identified measures should be
implemented.
The majority of the respondents express the view that all of these measures are necessary to
improve the implementation of community policing in crime prevention.
Inquiring about the opinions of the interviewees on patrol exercises, one of the policemen
asserts that:
“Police-community patrol exercise provides an opportunity for
the duo to operate with mutual trust and confidence, they have
to be partners in progress; that is in crime control within their
neighbourhood. This helps in reducing incidences of violence,
fighting, burglary, theft and kidnapping in the community. Once
criminals see the police on regular patrol, it is either they stop
their nefarious activities or they relocate to other places”.
4.6
Discussion of Findings
This research was initiated to examine the role of police-community relations in
combating crime, with particular reference to the Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano
State. This section presents the discussion of findings, which are discussed in line with the
research objectives.
One of the specific objectives of the study is to find out the public's perception of the
effectiveness of community policing in the Nassarawa study area. Table 4.2.3 also shows that
the majority of the respondents (73.6%) believe that members of their public should participate
in community policing, and at least 62.7% believe that members of their communities are aware
of the project (Table 4.2.5). Additionally, 24.5% of the respondents, who are the majority,
agree that participation involves providing the police with information about crime activities
(Table 4.2.6). Rhonda (2000) argues that the basic idea behind community policing is that the
community must be involved with the police to solve problems, and the police and the public
have to work together in combating crime in our society. The study also found that the majority
of the respondents are aware of their community's participation in community policing, and
participation involves providing the police with information about criminal activities.
The second objective of the study was to examine the relationship between the Nigerian
police and the vigilante groups in discharging community policing in the Nassarawa Local
Government Area. It was found that the majority of the respondents (61.2%) believe that the
relationship between the police and the vigilante groups is cordial (Table 4.2.9). Additionally,
Table 4.3.1 explains that the majority of the respondents (18.2%) perceive a bad relationship
between the police and themselves, while 63.6% of the respondents rate the police's
performance as very good (Table 4.3.1). The study reveals that 14.5% of the respondents
believe that vigilante organizations should be formed as a major method through which citizens
can participate in the community policing process (Table 4.2.6). These findings support Okeke
(2006) and Onoja (2007), who stated that the Nigerian police have failed in discharging their
duty of safeguarding lives and property. The researcher also discovered that the majority of the
respondents hold the view that the Nigerian police lack modern facilities for combating crime.
Similarly, it supports Rotimi (2001), who opined that helpful information will be forthcoming
from community members when the police have established a relationship of trust with the
community they serve. Without trust between the police and the citizens, effective policing is
impossible.
Regarding the challenges of community policing in preventing crime, findings in Table
4.2.4 revealed that the majority of the respondents (50.9%) believe that there are no
organizations other than the police that help in crime prevention activities. Findings in Table
4.2.7 revealed that effective community policing faces numerous challenges, such as a bad
relationship between the police and the community (27.3%), loss of confidence (10.2%), lack
of support (9.3%), and bribery and corruption (8.4%). It was also revealed in Table 4.2.8 that
58.6% of the total respondents feel either discouraged or have no idea about the effectiveness
of community policing in crime prevention.
When asked about the main problems when it comes to community policing, the police
mentioned "negative attitude towards the police," "lack of support and logistics," and "lack of
training and understanding of police duties" as obstacles to effectiveness in crime prevention.
These problems listed are similar to those mentioned by community members (respondents).
Regarding the suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of community policing in crime
prevention. According to the findings in Table 4.5.3, several measures can be implemented to
improve the effectiveness of community policing in preventing crime. These measures include:
1. Allowing citizens to participate in community decision-making: 20% of the
respondents (22) believe that involving citizens in community decisions can enhance
community policing. This suggests that giving community members a voice and
involving them in decision-making processes can foster a sense of ownership and
collaboration in crime prevention efforts.
2. Conducting frequent night patrols: 18.2% of the respondents (20) believe that
increasing the frequency of night patrols can contribute to crime prevention. Regular
patrols during night-time can help deter criminal activities and provide a greater sense
of security for community members.
3. Creating awareness of security precautions in preventing crime: 15.4% of the
respondents (17) emphasized the importance of raising awareness about security
precautions. This suggests that educating the community about crime prevention
strategies, such as locking doors and windows, reporting suspicious activities, and
practising personal safety measures, can contribute to reducing crime rates.
Implementing these measures can enhance community policing efforts by fostering community
involvement, increasing police presence during crucial times, and promoting proactive crime
prevention through awareness and education.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0
Introduction
This chapter consists of the summary of the study, and the conclusion of the research
findings, it also includes recommendations based on the research findings which if properly
implemented will help to a greater extent, in solving the problems of community policing in
Kano State in particular and the country in general.
5.1
Summary
The study followed the university-approved sequential format of five chapters. It
examined the extent to which community policing has been used to ensure crime prevention in
Kano State[Nassarawa Local Government Area]. The first chapter started with the background
to the study, the gap filled by the study which is the statement of the problem, objectives of the
study, research questions, the significance of the study and the scope of the study. Some terms
that are relevant to the study were carefully defined according to their usage in the study under
the operational definitions of terms to ensure a better understanding of the strength and
relationship inherent among the core variables and concepts used in the study. The second
chapter covered a comprehensive review of past but relevant literature on the independent
variables (community policing) and the dependent variable (crime prevention). This was done
to link the present study with the past studies to assist in showing the gap that the study filled.
Apart from this, a review of the two theories adopted for the study (Broken Windows theory
and Social Change theory and their implications for the study) was done to determine the extent
to which community policing has been used to prevent crime in Kano State. The study was
conducted using the mixed method approach research design. It covered the study population,
sample and sampling techniques, research instrument (quantitative and qualitative) validity and
reliability of the instruments, procedure for data collection as well as method of data analysis.
The data collected through the questionnaire were analysed and presented in tables through the
use of simple percentages and bar charts and frequency counts, for the respondents’ biodata.
The study established the following major findings; The perception of the public
towards the impact of community policing in crime prevention. The relationship between the
police and vigilante groups and other stakeholders in implementing community policing in
Nassarawa Local Government Area, the most preferred measures to enhancing the
effectiveness of community policing and the problems faced or challenges of community
policing in crime prevention in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The last chapter, which is chapter five, presented a summary of the entire study,
conclusion and recommendations. It further addressed the contributions of the study to
knowledge, limitations of the study and suggestions for further studies.
5.2
Conclusions
Based on the findings of this research;
i.
Nigerian police have not lived up to expectations and are struggling in the discharge
of their constitutional duties as spelt out in the constitution of the federal republic
of Nigeria. The goal of community policing has been encouraging since there is a
good relationship between the police and the community they serve. And the project
should be well implemented. I hereby conclude that the suggestions given by this
study should be adopted towards community policing to achieve the aim of crime
prevention and control.
ii.
There are some challenges faced by Police Force in administering Community
Policing. It can be concluded therefore that lack of training for officers on
community engagement philosophy and methods, a lack of good quality
information about crime provided to communities, a lack of involvement in the
initiative's design, implementation, and monitoring, lack of understanding
cooperation, etc are the main challenges faced by Police Force in administering the
Community Policing.
iii.
The police officers and the community’s understanding of the role of community
policing in crime prevention that helps to facilitate the effective implementation of
community policing and the understanding of the goals of community policing in
crime prevention in the study area was to be found in the moderate stage. From this,
we can conclude that the community and police officers’ awareness of the
importance of community policing in crime prevention in the Nassarawa Local
Government area was at a medium level.
iv.
There was a significant relationship between effective security (dependent variable)
and the component elements of community policing (Public, Vigilante Groups,
Police etc. Independents Variable) in Kano State.
5.3
Recommendations
In furtherance of our quest to contribute to the body of knowledge, we make the following
recommendations:
I.
For the police to achieve better rapport with the community, various commands,
area offices, zonal offices, and stations need to become and operate more like
open systems. This will have huge implications for the organization of the Nigeria
Police. The structure of police departments needs to be more decentralized to
allow better deployment in the community, more effective use of officers, and
better response to citizens, as well as building network relations with citizens. It is
important to have a flatter rank structure. This will allow officers to maintain good
performance without necessarily aspiring to command positions, and it will
improve the quality of police personnel in the field. The use of more civilians in
auxiliary and liaison functions will foster closer ties with the community and free
up officers to focus on police work.
II.
Internal communications need to be exchanged at the lower level to break the
relatively rigid chain of command and improve the flow of information. Police
supervision should enhance interaction between all levels (officer-supervisor and
officer-community) to expand officers' spans of responsibility. Officers should
have greater discretion to empower them in their decision-making and encourage
more flexibility in non-law enforcement situations. This will make police work far
more efficient and enhance performance among officers who are expected to do
more in a position of trust.
III.
Police deployment should be proactive, preventive, and community-oriented, in
addition to reactive policing. The worst mistake that community policing
proponents can make is advocating that proactive policing completely replaces
traditional reactive policing. The two need to coexist, as there are incidents that
require immediate reaction. However, the police must be involved in long-term
preventive activities alongside other service agencies and citizens alike.
Recruitment should emphasize higher educational levels and seek officers who are
people-oriented and focused on service/mediation. Currently, many officers still
join the force with the idea of adventure and the use of force. A differential
recruitment policy will change this image, improve the self-selection process, and
enhance future police personnel. It will also increase the likelihood of police
becoming a respected occupation and being equalized with other social services.
IV.
Training should expand on interpersonal skills and become more communityoriented. This is particularly relevant as a relatively small proportion of officers'
training is dedicated to such issues. Officers' performance evaluation should
emphasize measurable community-oriented activities (contacts, coordination,
assistance), and the reward structure should acknowledge community-oriented
efforts by offering tangible salary raise and intangible recognition for performing
accordingly. Finally, it is important to have community policing adopted forcewide and not relegated to special units.
V.
Inter-agency cooperation should encourage increased scope and level of
interaction between various agency levels (not only between department heads).
Agencies (police and other social services) should develop a better understanding
of overall community needs and how, by working together, they can improve their
response to those needs. Agencies should have systematic information about the
availability of resources and create a climate that rewards cross-jurisdictional
cooperation and minimizes friction. Agencies must provide incentives for
cooperation at a comprehensive level.
VI.
The most important component of community policing is the reliance on the
community itself. Improving the police and coordination among other services to
the community could go a long way in building a cordial relationship between the
police and the public, even if nothing changes in the community itself. Social and
ethnic tensions that result in group crime or immigration frictions that result in
individual crime are just a few examples of the extent to which, even when
services are available (which should not be taken for granted), the underlying
problems in the community continue to generate conditions that breed criminal
behaviour. To better handle community issues, it is essential to increase our
knowledge about the community.
VII.
Police academy training needs to expand beyond arrest procedures to include
building skills like community organizing.
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CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDY
STUDY TITLE: IMPACT OF COMMUNITY POLICING ON
CRIME PREVENTION IN THE NASSARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AREA OF KANO STATE
I am a student at Bayero University Kano. As part of the fulfilment of my
studies, I am to conduct a study on the impact of community policing on crime
prevention in the Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Your
participation in this study will help me determine the effects of community
policing on crime prevention in Nassarawa L.G.A.
Kindly understand the following:i. Participation is entirely voluntary.
ii.
Confidentiality will be maintained.
iii.
Refusal of any participation in the study will not attract any penalties.
iv.
No risk will be incurred while participating in this study.
QUESTIONNAIRE
APPENDIX I
INSTRUCTION: Please tick ( √ ) the option that suits you best.
SECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OF THE RESPONDENTS
1.
Sex: a. Male ( ) b. Female ( )
2.
Age: a. 16 – 20 ( ) b. 21 – 25( ) c. 26 – 30(
3.
Marital Status: a. Single ( )
b. Married ( )
) d. 31-35 ( ) 36 and above(
c. Divorce (
)
) d. Widow ( ) e.
Separated ( )
4.
Occupation: a. Farming ( )b. Student( ) c. Business(
5.
Religion: a. Islam (
) b. Christianity (
) d. Civil servant ( )
) c. Traditional (
) d. Quranic Education (
)
6.
Level of Education: a. Primary ( ) b. Secondary ( ) c. Tertiary
(
) d. Other,
Please specify………………………………………………………………..
SECTION B: INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME
PREVENTION
7.
Do the police have a role to play in combating crime?
a. Yes
(
) b. No (
)
8. How effective are they in combating crime?
a. Very Effective ( ) b. effective ( ) c. Average( ) d. Poor(
)
9. Do the public cooperate with the police in crime prevention? a. Yes(
No (
10.
) c. No idea (
)
b.
)
Do you work with other stakeholders besides police in crime prevention(community leaders,
business owners, schools, NGOs, other service providers and other criminal justice agencies)? a.
Yes ( ) b. (
11.
Have you ever heard of community policing? a. Yes (
c. No idea (
12.
) c. No idea ( )
) b. (
)
What do you think the roles of citizens are in community policing?

Forming vigilante organization [
]

Introduction of night watchmen [
]

Beating up Suspects [ ]

Road Blocks [ ]
)
13.

Provision of materials e.g flashlights [ ]

Informing the police about criminal activities [ ]

Attending and contributing to town hall meetings organized by the police [ ]

No Idea [
]
What do you think are the challenges affecting effective community policing in
Nassarawa Local Government Area? (a) Lack of support [
(b) lack of facilities for effective communication [ ]
] (b) Lack of logistics [
(d)
Others,
]
please
specify…………………………............................................
14.
How would you assess the performance of community policing in crime control? a.
Encouraging ( ) b. Discouraging (
15.
) b. Not cordial (
) c. Antagonistic (
)
b. Good (
)
c. Fair (
) d Bad (
Antagonistic ( ) c. No idea (
)
)
] (b) No [
] (c) Not decided [
]
What is your perception of the success of the implementation of community policing in
crime prevention in the Nassarawa Local Government Area? a. Very good (
Discouraging (
20.
b.
In your opinion, do you think the activities of community policing can be improved/ (a)
Yes [
19.
)
How would you rate the relationship between the police and members of your Local
Government since the introduction of community policing? a. Cordial (
18.
)
How cordial is your relationship with the police in your Local Government? a. Very good
(
17.
)
How would you rate the relationship between the police and other vigilante agencies in
your Area? a. Cordial (
16.
) c. Don’t know (
) c. Should be improved
(
)
b.
)
How do you think community policing can be improved? (a)citizens’ participation in
community decision-making [
on security cautiousness[
agencies[
] (b)frequent night patrol[
] (c) awareness creation
] (d) good means of communication/relationship with formal
] (e) All of the above
APPENDIX II
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL ON THE IMPACT OF
COMMUNITY POLICING ON CRIME PREVENTION IN THE NASSARAWA
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KANO STATE.
SECTION 1 – IDENTIFICATION
Name Of Police Station ……………………………………………………………
Position/Rank…………………………………………………………………
Age……………………………………………………………………
Religion………………………………………………………………………………
Educational Qualification-------------------------------------------------------------------Years Of Experience---------------------------------------------------------------------SECTION II: GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. What
is
your
view
of
community
policing?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
2. Who
are
the
stakeholders
involved
in
community
policing?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
3. As a community police officer do you think community policing is effective towards
solving
problems?
Yes
(
)
No
(
)
If
yes,
explain
how……………………………………………………………….………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………….………………………………………………………………………
……
4. What kind of problems are you facing during intermingling with citizens/community to
solve
those
problems……………………………………………………………………………………
………………………….…………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………
5. What do you think are the measures to be taken so a model of community policing to be
effective……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………
6. How do police officers get their information on crime in the local government area? Probe
for
their
sources……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………
7. Are the police accountable to the community for their actions or inactions? Probe
further………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………
8. Does Community policing reduce crime, improve quality of life and fear of crime? Yes (
)
No
(
)
If
yes
or
no,
explain……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. Does police community joint patrol promote security in your community? Probe for the
benefits……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………
10. What
are
the
roles
of
vigilante
groups
in
community
policing?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………