Abstract:
This study evaluated the role of ward officers in maintaining community peace and security in Arusha
City Council, Tanzania. The study specifically sought to: find out peace and security threats
experienced by ward officers, identify strategies used by ward officers in maintaining community
peace and security, find out the effectiveness of the strategies and identify challenges faced by ward
officers in maintaining community peace and security in Arusha City Council. The study used mixed
research approach and a parallel convergent design in gathering data. The sample frame was 40
respondents including Ward Executive Officers, Ward Health Officers, Ward Police Officers and
Ward Councilors. Questionnaires and face to face interview were used to collect data from
participants. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively while qualitative data were thematically
analyzed. Findings showed that; crime, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, theft, drug addiction of
youth, theft and robbery, criminal activities and accidents were the main peace and security threats
experienced by Ward Officers in the study area. Ward officers apply utilization of neighborhood watch
and street meetings, civilian education, community-based policing and patrol and supporting private
security guards as strategies in maintaining community peace and security. These strategies were
found to be effective in maintaining community peace and security. Identified challenges faced by
ward officers in maintaining community peace and security were; lack of adequate tools, lack of
community participation and cooperation, corruption among security leaders, shortage of security
resources and personnel and lack of proper security plans. The study concluded that ward officers
as local government leaders have to identify peace and security threats so that they can mobilize the
available resources to ensure their communities attain sustainable peace and safety. Challenges
identified herein can be overcome through formulation of proper security plans that utilize partnership
between ward officers and the community in identifying appropriate strategies to maintaining Peace
and security at ward level.
