Examining the relationship between the police and civilians in crime rate reduction: the case of Tanga urban

This study examines the relationship between the police and civilians in crime rate reduction in Tanga urban. It examines the extent to which the current relationship contributes to crime reduction. It also identifies the type of relationship present and identifies what the police and civilians can do to strengthen their relationship. This study combined two theories namely; the non-enforcement theory and the theory of change to explain the nature of the relationship. The study area was Tanga urban located on the eastern coast of Tanzania. The data of this study were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The sample population for this study was composed of civilians and the police officers who responded to the research questions provided. The research was conducted in the police stations, the Bodaboda centers, ward offices and in other public places. About 60 questionnaires were distributed and were usable as they were completed by the respondents. Thirty questionnaires were filled by the police officers and 30 by civilians respectively. Therefore, only the data from 60 respondents were analyzed through SPSS and the interviews done were also used in discussion of the findings. The conclusion from the findings is that the present relationship between the police and civilians does not have enough contribution towards crime rate reduction since the relationship that exists is largely negative and suspicious. The research recommends far stronger cooperation through collective efforts, education, sharing of intelligence information between the police and civilians, and the designing of new mechanisms that would bring together both the police and civilians in fighting against crimes within the society.