Authors :
Otieno Pildas Odidi; Dr. Barack Calvince Omondi; Dr. Jane Khasoa Lusenaka
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/hnxnrbmv
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8340019
Abstract :
Community-oriented policing (COP) stands
as a globally recognized and pivotal strategy for
reforming the security sector. Nations across the globe
have woven COP into their policy frameworks and legal
systems, facilitating collaboration between law
enforcement agencies and communities. This approach
aims to quell criminal activities and uphold public order
through non-traditional avenues of policing. The Kenya
National Police Service Act (NPSA) of 2011 meticulously
outlines the structure and objectives of community
policing, fostering a symbiotic partnership between the
police and the populace. In 2017, the Inspector of Police
COP Booklet further refined regulations to expedite the
implementation of COP in Kenya. However, despite
these earnest efforts, instances of crime and disorder
continue to plague the Kisumu Central sub-county. The
primary objective of this study was to evaluate the
efficacy of COP initiatives in combatting crime within
the confines of Kisumu Central, scrutinizing the extent
of community involvement in policing policies and
practices. The research, guided by Lindblom's
Incrementalism theory, used a mixed-methods approach
involving various research methods. Extensive data
collection covered Kisumu Central's six administrative
Wards, with 394 participants.Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) included
community members, officials, and leaders. Different
sampling methods were used, with quantitative and
qualitative data analyzed accordingly.Broad-Based Representation:
Unlike the COP guidelines, which advocate for
comprehensive representation across 15 categories, this
practice was not evident in Kisumu Central.Recommendations include systematic awareness
campaigns, policy design for community-oriented
policing (COP), stakeholder analysis, and innovative
strategies. These findings can revitalize police reforms
and inform policymaking at national and local levels in
Kenya, improving community policing for safer
neighborhoods and crime prevention.
Keywords :
Community Engagement, Policing Policy and Practice, Community-Oriented Policing, Kisumu Central Sub-County, Crime Reduction.
Community-oriented policing (COP) stands
as a globally recognized and pivotal strategy for
reforming the security sector. Nations across the globe
have woven COP into their policy frameworks and legal
systems, facilitating collaboration between law
enforcement agencies and communities. This approach
aims to quell criminal activities and uphold public order
through non-traditional avenues of policing. The Kenya
National Police Service Act (NPSA) of 2011 meticulously
outlines the structure and objectives of community
policing, fostering a symbiotic partnership between the
police and the populace. In 2017, the Inspector of Police
COP Booklet further refined regulations to expedite the
implementation of COP in Kenya. However, despite
these earnest efforts, instances of crime and disorder
continue to plague the Kisumu Central sub-county. The
primary objective of this study was to evaluate the
efficacy of COP initiatives in combatting crime within
the confines of Kisumu Central, scrutinizing the extent
of community involvement in policing policies and
practices. The research, guided by Lindblom's
Incrementalism theory, used a mixed-methods approach
involving various research methods. Extensive data
collection covered Kisumu Central's six administrative
Wards, with 394 participants.Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) included
community members, officials, and leaders. Different
sampling methods were used, with quantitative and
qualitative data analyzed accordingly.Broad-Based Representation:
Unlike the COP guidelines, which advocate for
comprehensive representation across 15 categories, this
practice was not evident in Kisumu Central.Recommendations include systematic awareness
campaigns, policy design for community-oriented
policing (COP), stakeholder analysis, and innovative
strategies. These findings can revitalize police reforms
and inform policymaking at national and local levels in
Kenya, improving community policing for safer
neighborhoods and crime prevention.
Keywords :
Community Engagement, Policing Policy and Practice, Community-Oriented Policing, Kisumu Central Sub-County, Crime Reduction.
