The Influence of Community Policing Toward Motorcycle Riders (Boda-Boda) Traffic Accident Reduction in Tanzania:

Abstract

This study assessed “Influence of Community Policing toward Motorcycle Riders (Boda-boda) Traffic Accident Reduction in Tanzania: A Case study of Babati Town." The study is based on three objectives: first, to examine the influence of community policing strategies on motorcycle traffic accident reduction in Babati Town; second, to assess the influence of community awareness on reducing motorcycle traffic accidents in Babati Town; and lastly, to investigate factors hindering community policing from reducing motorcycle traffic accidents in Babati Town. To achieve the three objectives, the methodology adopted a convergent parallel mixed method design (qualitative and quantitative) in order to meet the appropriate data for the study. The study used to collect data from 100 respondents: police and motorcyclists (boda-boda) were purposefully selected, while community members were randomly selected. The method employed was a questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion to gather and collect data. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS by coding, organizing, and converting into frequencies or percentages within tables. The study shows majority of respondents in Babati town support community policing's success in reducing motorcycle accidents, despite some doubts, indicating the need for effective community cooperation. There were associated challenges in implementing the policing: a lack of adequate funding, insufficient community participation, a lack of support from the local government, limited training and resources for law enforcement officers, and a limited understanding of community policing by the members of the community. The study recommended the allocation of enough funds, enhancement of community participation, investment of law enforcement agency training and resources, and educating the community-on community policing.