| dc.description |
This study evaluated the contribution of community policing as a strategy towards crime reduction in Ilala police region. It analyzed the contribution, achievements and challenges of this strategy which was implemented in 2006 to-date. The study covered the whole of Ilala police region. Data were collected using the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods including two rounds of a survey of citizens’ perceptions in the study area. The following themes were comprehensively covered during the study (a)Understanding the philosophy of community policing among the public as a strategy to prevent crimes (b) The necessity of cooperation between the police and the public through community policing program to prevent crimes (c) The responsibility of the community members as citizens to guide and safeguard the life and property of the people (d) Achievements since the implementation of this strategy to- date (e) Challenges and drawbacks facing the strategy. Based on the collected evidence, the study revealed and concluded that the introduction of community policing has greatly reduced the level of crimes within the region. However, the strategy is still facing a number of challenges such as lack of funds, material resources and rejection of the program by some people and police, undefined functional relationship between the police force and the general public and other stakeholders, lack of policy, laws and regulations and political ideologies that are impeding the effectiveness of the program. This means that the success of the involvement of the community in the policing function will depend on the clear policy framework that provides guidance on the matter.
It is recommended that there is a need of a broader intervention through formulation of a policy framework that will address the above shortcomings. evidence evidence This in turn will reflect positively the idea of Tanzania Police Force in its reform programs that, in a democratic society, policing function should be a shared responsibility between law enforcement organs and the public (TPFRP-Phase 1, 2010). |
|