Authors :
Osazuwa Christopher Mitchell
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
http://tinyurl.com/7suew99b
Scribd :
http://tinyurl.com/yzdf758s
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10478528
Abstract :
Effective police-community relations (PCR) are essential for fostering trust, cooperation, and collaboration between
the police and the communities they serve. This study explores the state of PCR and police services in Obio/Akpor Local
Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Drawing upon Community Policing and social exchange theories, the
study investigates the interplay between PCR and police services in Obio/Akpor LGA. Data gathered through
questionnaires administered to a diverse range of stakeholders, including police officers, local vigilante organizations, and
community members, reveals both positive examples and persistent challenges in PCR and police services. On the positive
side, community policing initiatives, such as foot patrols and neighborhood watch programs, have contributed to building
trust and improving relations between the police and the community in Obio/Akpor LGA. However, significant challenges
remain, including a pervasive lack of trust between the police and the community, exacerbated by issues of corruption,
human rights violations, and police misconduct. To address these challenges and enhance PCR and police services, the
study recommends the implementation of community policing strategies, enhanced accountability and transparency
mechanisms, comprehensive training in community policing, empowered community oversight, whistleblower protection
measures, and a strong emphasis on promoting professionalism and ethical conduct among police officers. By addressing
these critical areas, the police and the community in Obio/Akpor LGA can work together to create a safer and more secure
environment for all. This study contributes to the understanding of effective approaches to improve police-community
relations and police service delivery in contexts characterized by low levels of trust and collaboration. It further
underscores the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships between law enforcement and the
communities they serve as a cornerstone of successful community policing.
Keywords :
Police Community Relations, Police Services, Community Policing, Trust, Collaboration.
Effective police-community relations (PCR) are essential for fostering trust, cooperation, and collaboration between
the police and the communities they serve. This study explores the state of PCR and police services in Obio/Akpor Local
Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Drawing upon Community Policing and social exchange theories, the
study investigates the interplay between PCR and police services in Obio/Akpor LGA. Data gathered through
questionnaires administered to a diverse range of stakeholders, including police officers, local vigilante organizations, and
community members, reveals both positive examples and persistent challenges in PCR and police services. On the positive
side, community policing initiatives, such as foot patrols and neighborhood watch programs, have contributed to building
trust and improving relations between the police and the community in Obio/Akpor LGA. However, significant challenges
remain, including a pervasive lack of trust between the police and the community, exacerbated by issues of corruption,
human rights violations, and police misconduct. To address these challenges and enhance PCR and police services, the
study recommends the implementation of community policing strategies, enhanced accountability and transparency
mechanisms, comprehensive training in community policing, empowered community oversight, whistleblower protection
measures, and a strong emphasis on promoting professionalism and ethical conduct among police officers. By addressing
these critical areas, the police and the community in Obio/Akpor LGA can work together to create a safer and more secure
environment for all. This study contributes to the understanding of effective approaches to improve police-community
relations and police service delivery in contexts characterized by low levels of trust and collaboration. It further
underscores the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships between law enforcement and the
communities they serve as a cornerstone of successful community policing.
Keywords :
Police Community Relations, Police Services, Community Policing, Trust, Collaboration.
