Impact of Community Policing initiatives on the prevention of Violent Crime: a case study of Kitengela Town-Kajiado County

Abstract

The study sought to find out the impact of community policing initiatives on prevention of violent crime in Kitengela Town, Kajiado County. The study objectives included; finding out the role of public participation on community policing initiatives in prevention of violent crime in Kitengela town, assessing public perception on community policing initiatives in prevention of violent crime in Kitengela town, investigating the importance of public confidence on community policing initiatives in prevention of violent crime in Kitengela town and finding out how the existing police-public relations influences community policing initiatives towards the prevention of violent crime in Kitengela town. Descriptive research design was used where a sample of 113 respondents was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Seven(7) key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnares from the respondents who were identified. Data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics where data was presented in frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study found that though community policing initiative was being implemented in Noonkopir estate and Kitengela town in general, it had not impacted positively on prevention of violent crime since the crime rates reportedly remained high. The initiative had not succeeded in creating social cohesion among neighbors. Public participation in the community policing initiatives was poor, residents perceived the police negatively, residents lacked confidence in the initiative and that the residents related negatively with police. The study concluded that poor public participation, negative public perceptions in community policing initiatives, lack of public confidence in community policing initiatives and lack of good public-police relations greatly marred the extent to which community policing initiatives had succeeded in prevention of violent crime in Noonkopir estate and largely, Kitengela town. The study recommends that there is need for more sensitization of the public on community policing initiatives; its objectives, operations and expectations. There is also need to persuade the public to participate in crime prevention and other social activities. Public participation should be encouraged. The National police service should also embrace a culture of inclusivity so as to earn confidence, positive public perception and eventually public support.