Evaluating the Performance of Community Policing In Combating Crime

Abstract

The performance of community policing is imperative in combating crime in communities through bridging the trust gap, providing mutual support, and enhancing collaboration. Although community policing was incepted in Kenya in 2005 and implemented thereupon, the crime rate still surges in Kenya, particularly in Kitengela. Little is known about the effectiveness of community policing in crime reduction. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the performance of community policing in combating crime in Kitengela. The study employed a mixed approach. A sample of 97 from 3000 targeted populations from residents, local business owners, community policing forums, and local police officers. The respondents were sampled using stratified sampling, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques. Surveys, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews were used to collect primary data. Experts evaluated the content and face validity of the instruments. The reliability of the instruments for collecting quantitative data was tested, adjusted, and correlated at Cronbach's coefficient alpha r=0.976; hence, it was reliable. However, the trustworthiness of the instrument for collecting qualitative data was assured by ensuring credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. The Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic coding analysis, and the results were presented in tables.The findings showed a positive correlation between the CP initiatives and crime reduction. 35% of reduction in crime is influenced by CP initiatives and one unit increase in CP strategies led to a reduction in crime by 0.605. The major CP strategies included continuous security patrols, erection and security lights, hiring private security guards, timely reporting of crimes, mounting and maintaining CCTV cameras, prompt police response to crime scenes, arresting and fining offenders, and participating in community policing fora. Moreover, the level of participation in CP initiatives varied with participation in CP fora and private security hiring. Finally, the study revealed a positive correlation between the elimination of challenges faced in the implementation of CP and crime reduction. 46% of crime reduction is influenced by addressing the challenges faced by CP implementation. Moreover, every unit's elimination of the challenges leads to reduced crime by 0.702. The challenges faced in the implementation of CP initiatives challenges were a lack of trust in police, poor communication between police and community members, inadequate policing equipment, few police officers, and low community participation. The study concluded that the performance of CPs in combating crime was good despite the challenges and recommended that the Kenya National Police Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, organize training programs on community policing initiatives for both police and community members. The police and the community should embrace teamwork and collaboration according to the COP theory, and policies should be formulated by stakeholders that promote CP. Finally, the government should allocate more resources to promote CP.