Contribution Of Community Policing On Armed Roberry Prevention:

Abstract

One of notable government challenges in Tanzania is armed robbery in the Musoma municipality. It is a serious threat to both the long-term economic growth and peace and security of the nation. This study analysed the contribution of community policing in Tanzania—specifically, the Musoma municipality—on the prevention of armed robberies. In particular, this study aimed to determine the obstacles facing Musoma municipality's community policing efforts to prevent armed robberies, as well as the efficacy of community policing tactics in this area. It also sought to gauge community opinion of the policing program. Social capital and Functionalist theories were adopted. The study adopted the positivist philosophy and was carried out utilizing a quantitative technique and descriptive research design. Residents of the municipality of Musoma made up the study's population. To get representative samples of the entire targeted population, the study used random sampling technique. Only primary data were used in this study. Questionnaires for gathering first-hand information. Data was quantitatively analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics by utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 as data analysis tool. The study discovered that although there is participation in community-policing meetings and efforts targeted at resolving the problem of armed robbery, police in the community do not interact closely with locals to identify and address local issues. Majority of residents are not aware of specific initiatives which police have implemented to build trust. There is no confident that Police in community will respond quickly and appropriately to emergency calls. There is positive perception of the Police service in community. There is no enough Police fund and resources to dedicate officers to community engagement programs and also there are Police challenges in retaining experienced and diverse officers within the community. There are limitations on police ability to share information and transparency. However there are clear, measurable goals and metrics for evaluating the success of Police community policing programs. There is neither Police data collection, no analysis capabilities to track and demonstrate the impact of community policing initiatives. The study recommends that researchers need to investigate the role of marginalized group in community policing on armed robbery prevention.