Examining the implementation of community policing and its effects on crime: case study of Kampala Metropolitan/East, Uganda

Abstract

This research examines the implementation of community policing in Uganda with a case study of Kampala Metropolitan East (KMP/E). The specific objectives of the study were; to establish the nature and structure of the community policing programme in Kampala Metropolitan East in Uganda, to establish how community policing is implemented in KMP/E and to assess whether the implementation of a community policing programme is adequate in fighting crime in Uganda. The primary problem is that Kampala Metropolitan/East has difficulties implementing the community policing program given challenges like lack of resources, untrusting community and lack of community policing policy. The research is grounded in the situational crime prevention theory developed by Felson and Clarke (1998), which offers law enforcement officers a framework to evaluate and execute interventions that reduce the likelihood and severity of crime. The research adopted a mixed-method approach with the aid of a case study design, and data was collected using Questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions from 117 participants; the researcher adhered to ethical considerations, and the data collection procedure included obtaining a letter from the university before the research and obtaining informed consent from participants. The findings indicate that although community policing is a well-appreciated strategy, it faces challenges in its implementation, especially those related to a policy that has yet to be passed, limited resources, and inadequate training in community policing. Community policing implementation remains a pragmatic way of curbing crime in society. The overwhelming responses from the respondents of both genders and all ages in multiple locations confirmed this. However, trust in the police remains questionable. Building community-police trust requires sustained effort. Still, it is essential before police can identify and address the genuine concerns of the community. Consequently, this research recommends that a Community Policing Policy should be passed by the authorities as soon as possible to give Community Policing a more robust mandate, adequate resources should be earmarked for Community Policing to smoothen its implementation and proper training should be adopted as a core component of Community Policing to empower officers with necessary competencies to implement it. Lastly, cooperation with the community should be enhanced to foster community ownership and increase the benefits of community policing.