Community Policing and Crime Prevention in Lagos State, Nigeria

Bolanle W Shiyanbade, Ogunje M. Williams, Abiodun E. Olukotun & Ayodeji O. Ogundemurin

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Abstract

This paper critically examined the role of police community relations in crime prevention in Nigeria, with specific respect to Lagos State. Currently, criminal activity appears to be on the rise despite significant government spending on crime control, and the police force appears to be ineffective. The paper reviewed existing relevant empirical reviews and the theoretical framework. The methodology adopted was the use of secondary data with the aid of a content analysis approach. This paper adopted an instrumental case research design and a grounded theory design, both of which are qualitative research methods on a phenomenon through an in-depth or systematic study of a case. This paper reviewed the existing literature on crime prevention and community policing as the main variables of new governance. Thus, it was revealed that some factors are attributed to the inefficient capacity to curb crime, such as lack of personnel, inadequate equipment, poor benefits and training for officers, lack of support and information from the community, and poor budget allocation. The study further emphasised the importance of citizens participating in community policing as a way to supplement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in preventing crime. The study concluded that community policing is a strategy for preventing and controlling crimes in the locality, which involves a partnership between the police and the community working together to create a safe and secure environment in Lagos State. The study recommended, among others, that both State and Local Governments should jointly established Lagos State Security Trust Fund in order to finance both personnel and machinery to prevent and reduce crime in the State.

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