A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN COMBATING CRIME IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The relationship between law enforcement agencies and the community is founded on a structured, interdependent bond between the police and the general public. The duties and responsibilities of the police are not confined to enforcing laws alone; rather, they encompass a wide range of community-related concerns that demand their attention and action. Globally, a shift from traditional policing methods to community-oriented policing is increasingly evident, and the Nigerian police force is no exception to this global trend. Community-police relations—both as a guiding philosophy and as a practical strategy—offer a promising pathway for achieving genuine reforms within law enforcement systems (Dirikx & Bulck, 2020). In 2004, Nigeria officially adopted community policing as a practical strategy for police reform. This marked a clear departure from the traditional, reactionary model of policing that focused primarily on responding to incidents. Instead, it ushered in a new era of proactive, problem-solving approaches in which the community became central to policing goals (Abdullahi, 2015; Abegunde & Adebayo, 2020; Ekong, 2023). However, despite this progress, the connection between police forces and the communities they serve has long been characterized by a sense of disconnect, which has hindered efforts to establish mutual support systems. Efforts to cultivate a closer bond between law enforcement and the public—with the goal of building camaraderie and mutual reliance for maintaining order—often seem to fall short. This persistent gap clearly indicates the need for a practical solution to bridge the divide. According to Siegel (2008), in a bid to improve service delivery and address public dissatisfaction, police institutions have experimented with innovative strategies like community policing and problem-oriented policing. Community policing, as described in this context, involves a transformation of police officers into agents of community change who work hand-in-hand with local residents to tackle crime at the grassroots level. Conversely, problem-oriented policing adopts a forward-looking approach by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate into criminal acts (Hills, 2018; Fagbadebo, 2020). These two models are naturally complementary, as their effectiveness hinges on the active engagement of the community. This necessity arises because crime often occurs within community settings, where both offenders and victims are typically embedded. In the context of Cameroon, the government has implemented several crime control strategies over the years. Yet, the nature of criminal activities in the country—ranging from theft and armed robbery to drug trafficking and politically motivated violence—continues to evolve and increase in complexity (Miachi, 2022). Moreover, the dynamics of crime and policing in Cameroon are shaped by a mixture of historical and cultural influences, including its rich ethnic diversity and regional inequalities. While there has been growing interest in community policing in Cameroon, academic literature on its implementation and outcomes remains scarce. Anecdotal reports suggest that community policing projects have been introduced in various urban areas, primarily to strengthen communication between the police and local residents. These initiatives aim to build mutual understanding and create a more coordinated and effective response to security challenges (Miachi, 2022). Nevertheless, comprehensive scholarly evaluations of community policing in Cameroon are lacking. Questions remain regarding its impact on crime rates, public satisfaction with policing services, and the overall well-being of communities. There is also a need to identify the specific challenges hindering the success of these initiatives—ranging from limited resources and cultural barriers to resistance from within conventional policing systems (Arase, 2012). Given the potential of community policing to address long-standing crime issues, a structured investigation is necessary to assess its influence and effectiveness. This research seeks to explore the implementation and outcomes of community policing within the Cameroonian context, offering critical insights that can contribute to academic literature on crime prevention and guide future policymaking and practical enforcement strategies. The study, therefore, aims to evaluate community policing as a viable tool for addressing crime in Cameroon. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In recent times, Cameroon has faced significant challenges related to crime and insecurity, which have adversely affected the safety and overall quality of life of its citizens. Despite governmental efforts to curb criminal activities through conventional law enforcement approaches, persistent insecurity highlights the need for alternative or complementary strategies. Community policing has emerged as one such strategy—emphasizing collaboration between police forces and the communities they serve in order to more effectively combat crime and improve public well-being (Reiner, 2020). However, the practical implications of adopting community policing within Cameroon’s unique socio-cultural and political context remain underexplored. There is a noticeable lack of empirical studies assessing how this approach has influenced crime rates, shaped community-police interactions, or affected public trust in law enforcement. Furthermore, the relationship between community policing and specific types of crime prevalent in different regions of Cameroon has not been adequately examined (Reiss, 2017). This research aims to fill that gap by analyzing how community policing has been implemented across various Cameroonian regions and assessing its effectiveness in reducing crime and improving communal safety. The study also seeks to contribute meaningful data to broader discussions on public security while offering evidence-based guidance for shaping crime prevention policies tailored to Cameroon’s local realities. In light of this, the research will investigate the role of community policing in combating crime in Cameroon. 1.3 Objective of the Study The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of community policing as a strategy for reducing crime in Cameroon. The specific objectives include: i. To investigate the presence and extent of community policing practices in Cameroon. ii. To evaluate the effectiveness of community policing as a crime prevention strategy in Cameroon. iii. To determine whether community policing has influenced citizens’ perceptions of safety and security. iv. To identify the major challenges faced in implementing community policing initiatives in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions The study will seek to answer the following questions: i. Is community policing currently practiced in Cameroon? ii. How effective is community policing in addressing crime in Cameroon? iii. Has community policing contributed to a greater sense of safety and security among Cameroonian citizens? iv. What are the major obstacles confronting community policing efforts in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study This research holds significant value for various stakeholders: Policymakers: The study’s outcomes can inform the development of more targeted policies and operational frameworks for community policing in Cameroon. The insights provided may help refine strategies for crime prevention and enhance public security. Community-Police Relations: By highlighting the potential of community policing to foster collaboration and trust, the study underscores its role in bridging the gap between police officers and the public. Strengthened relationships can result in greater civic participation and more effective law enforcement. Academic Contribution: This study will serve as a foundational resource for future scholarly work on community policing in Cameroon. By identifying current gaps in knowledge, it can help guide future research and deepen understanding of community policing’s impact in developing contexts. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses specifically on the effectiveness of community policing as a crime control strategy in Cameroon. It will empirically examine the presence of community policing structures, evaluate their role in crime prevention, assess their impact on public perception of safety, and identify the primary challenges encountered during implementation. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most academic endeavors, the study faced a few limitations. Financial constraints limited the researcher’s ability to access a wide range of resources, literature, and data collection tools such as online databases, printed materials, and field interviews. As a result, a modest sample size was selected. Additionally, the researcher had to balance this study with other academic responsibilities, which limited the time available for in-depth research. 1.8 Definition of Terms Community Policing: A policing model focused on developing partnerships between law enforcement and local communities. It emphasizes proactive engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and mutual trust to address security challenges. Checkmating Crime: The strategic act of preventing or minimizing crime through systematic and collaborative efforts involving both the police and community members. Crime Prevention: Strategies and actions aimed at reducing the occurrence and impact of criminal behavior before it happens. Public Safety: The condition of being protected from or unlikely to be harmed by criminal acts or emergencies. It includes efforts by law enforcement and the community to maintain peace and security. Policing Strategy: A structured plan or set of methods used by law enforcement agencies to maintain public order and reduce crime. Law Enforcement: The function of authorized government bodies (such as the police) to uphold laws, maintain public order, prevent crimes, and ensure justice is served. REFERENCES Dirikx, A. & Bulck D. (2020). ‘Media use and the Process-based Model for Police Cooperation: An Integrative Approach towards Explaining Adolescents’ Intentions to Cooperate with the Police’ British Journal of Criminology on behalf of Centre for Crime and Justice Studies. Abdullahi, A. (2015). “Corruption: The Greatest Obstacle to National Development.” Nigeria: Corruption in Development. Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University. Abegunde, B. & Adebayo, W.A. (2020). “The Nigerian Police and Human Rights Abuse” (eds) Essays in Honour of Oba Emmanuel Adebawola Adebayo, Petroa Educational Publishers, Ado-Ekiti, p. 28. Ekong E. E. 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