Abstract:
The study assessed the effectiveness of community policing on rural crime
prevention in Sanya Juu Ward, Siha District. The study was guided by Social
Learning Theory and Social Disorganization Theory with three specific research
objectives which were to examine the practices of community policing on crime
prevention, examine the impacts of community policing on the prevention of
crimes, and identify the challenges in the practices of community policing. The
study adopted a qualitative research approach and a case study research design.
The target population was 20 individuals. A non-probability sampling technique
was used to obtain 20 participants through a purposive sampling technique. Data
was collected by using interview guides and document analysis guides. Data was
analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings revealed active police engagement
with local communities through neighborhood patrols, regular meetings, visits to
motorbike, transport centers, and bus stands, and community events, effective
crimes reporting behavior, a positive association between community policing and
the reduction of crimes, inadequate transportation resources for the police force to
monitor and safeguard the community effectively, and a shortage of police force
personnel to ensure community safety. The study concluded that despite the
positive impact of community policing on crime reduction, challenges such as
limited resources and personnel shortages pose obstacles to ensuring community
safety. To mitigate crimes, the study recommended increased investment in
transportation resources to strengthen police monitoring capabilities and increase
of police personnel for enhanced community safety.
