Assessment of Community Policing Role in Safeguarding Peace and Security in Tanzania:

Abstract

The study assessed community policing role in safeguarding peace and security in Tanzania: A case of Dodoma City. Three specific objectives guided this study. These are to examine the perceptions of the community on the partnership between police and community, to examine the impacts of community policing, and to determine the challenges community police officers face when exercising their roles. Community theory and system theory guided the study. The conceptual framework was also part of the guidance of the study. Empirical studies were reviewed according to the study objectives in order to make the base for the need of the study. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The sample size involved was 30 participants who were obtained through purposive, convenience and snowballing sampling technique. The data collection methods involved were: semi-structured interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and documentary reviews and was analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that people had a negative perception on community policing partnerships as it was not well informed, unknown, and ineffective, and didn’t solve people’s problems due to their unknowledgeable members. Moreover, unknown community policing partnerships had some impacts on policing including contribution for policing equipment and upsurge of crime incidences among others. Consequently, community policing was challenged by poor capital of community members, lack of support from police, lack of integrity, transparency and accountability among police, and poor attitude towards community policing. Recommended strategies to help implementation of community policing in a more effective way include employing trainings to police in community policing and improved collaboration between community and police for law enforcement. Finally, there should be sensitization of the community to engage in community policing by using their own techniques in solving crimes happening in their society.