The contribution of community policing to the prevention of crime: the case study of Arusha municipality.

This study explored the contribution of CP (Community Policing) to crime prevention in Tanzania, with respect to Arusha Municipality. The study was premised on four research questions: What are the views of security stakeholders on the role of CP towards the reduction of crime rates and fear of crime in Arusha Municipality? To what extent has CP improved police-community relationships? What is the contribution of CP in CVE in Tanzania? What are the challenges that impede the effectiveness of CP in Arusha Municipality? Data was collected through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders involved in CP, including senior and junior police officers and community members and their leaders involved in patrols. This was supplemented by a rigorous document review and observations on the way CP was implemented at the community level. Data was analyzed using a content analysis method. The study findings show that CP, through the police jamii initiative, has tremendously improved the security situation in most parts of the sampled areas. Areas that had become no-go-zones due to crime are now accessible, with people moving about freely. More importantly, the crimes that had become the mainstay in most parts of three wards of Unga Ltd, Sombetini, and Moshono within Arusha Municipality have been reduced considerably, including keeping a watchful eye on VE. However, the study found that while CP has improved the police-community relationships, communities still view the police with suspicion. Despite its success, CP faces challenges, which include limited financial resources and a lack of training and awareness about CP by both the police and citizens. As part of the recommendations, it’s important for the government to introduce CP courses in police training institutions, raise more awareness on CP, and find ways for extending financial support to the local government initiatives on CP.