AN EXAMINATION INTO THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY POLICING AS A TOOL FOR CHECKMATING CRIME IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime (President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, 2015). Tillman (2020) defined community policing “as bringing police and citizens together to prevent crime and solve 6 problems, emphasizing the prevention of crime rather than the traditional policing method of responding to crime after it happens”. Community policing involves collaboration between police and community members characterized by problem-solving partnerships to enhance public safety. Community policing was adopted widely among law enforcement agencies in the 1990s, with a view toward improving trust between community members and police, and leveraging police resources through voluntary assistance by community members in public safety measures.

Significantly, community policing is centered on a systematic relationship between the regular police and the entire citizenry. As mentioned by Stipak, (2018), the duties and functions of the Police are not only for enforcing the law alone, it also includes tackling a huge rand gruesome range of community issue and problems. The foresight and transition from traditional or regular policing to community policing is a global phenomenon which has been welcomed and also making wave globally and the Cameroon police cannot be an exception.  As stated by Dirikx & Bulck, (2020), community policing as a strong philosophy and practice is a veritable vehicle and extremely essential machinery for police reforms. However, the relationship between the community and the police is predicated upon a structured and interconnected association between law enforcement officials and the entirety of the civilian population. 

Emphatically, Umana (2023) argued that the roles and functions of the police extend beyond mere law enforcement, encompassing a wide array of community issues that require their attention and intervention. The transition from traditional policing to community policing is a widespread occurrence observed on a global scale, and it is imperative to acknowledge that thepolice force cannot be exempt from this paradigm shift. Undoubtedly, the relationship between the community and the police, both as a philosophical concept and a practical endeavor, serves as a truly effective means to bring about reforms within the realm of law enforcement.  Within the specific context of Cameroon, it is noteworthy to mention that the government has diligently implemented a multitude of crime control measures throughout the course of several years. It is worth noting that the intricate nature of crime and policing endeavors in Cameroon can be attributed to a multitude of historical and cultural factors. These factors encompass the diverse ethnic makeup of the country as well as the disparities that exist between different regions.  Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge the intricate and multifaceted character of criminal activities within the nation, encompassing a wide range of offenses such as theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and political violence. 

Consequently, it becomes evident that the implementation of more sophisticated and nuanced approaches is indispensable in order to adequately tackle these pressing concerns (Miachi, 2022).  Notwithstanding the burgeoning interest in community policing in Cameroon, there exists a dearth of comprehensive scholarly investigations pertaining to its implementation and subsequent impact. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Community policing is not unfamiliar nor unheard of in Africa; rather, it has a long history there. This is as a result of the fact that the traditional political societies of Africa had already been policing and safeguarding themselves for a significant amount of time before European colonisation in Africa (Akuul, 2020). As a consequence of European colonisation, the African notion of community policing was supplanted by a colonial police force, which resulted in the populace being estranged from the police. 

Bizarrely, like other developing economies, Cameroon has encountered noteworthy challenges pertaining to crime and insecurity, thereby exerting an adverse impact on the overall welfare and safety of its populace. In a study by Reiner (2020), the endeavors of the government to address crime by means of conventional law enforcement strategies, the enduring existence of criminal activities compels us to delve into alternative and supplementary methodologies. Furthermore, community policing, a strategic approach that places emphasis on the collaborative alliance between law enforcement agencies and the community they are entrusted to protect and serve, has surfaced as a prospective instrument for efficaciously combating criminal activities and enhancing the overall well-being of the public. 

Corollary, Ngiki (2023) pointed that  In Camroon , community policing in its present form has not been effective, either in promoting community development or in assuring the promotion of security, safety, or peace in the nation, as of yet. As a direct consequence of this, insecurity, criminal activity, and disorder have combined to provide a barrier to the general progress of the communities. This is the case in spite of the fact that a number of studies have been carried out, each of which has demonstrated the difficulties that the Nigerian police face in their attempts to combat crime. As a consequence, it is imperative to undertake a thorough examination of the ramifications of community policing within the distinct socio-political and cultural milieu of Cameroon.   Upon this premise, the study examines the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Examine whether there is a community policing exist in Cameroon

Assess the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon

Determine whether community policing has impacted the overall sense of safety and security among Cameroonian communities. 

Investigate the challenges faced by community policing efforts in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the following

Does community policing exist in Cameroon?

What is the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon?

Has community policing impacted the overall sense of safety and security among Cameroonian communities?

What are the challenges faced by community policing efforts in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon.

Hi: There is a significant impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study's findings can inform policy development and law enforcement practices in Cameroon. Policymakers and police leadership can use the insights gained from the research to refine and enhance community policing initiatives, leading to more effective crime prevention strategies and better public safety outcomes.This study highlights the potential benefits of community policing in fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and community members. Improved community-police relations can lead to increased citizen engagement, collaboration, and support for policing efforts, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

Empirically, this study establishes a foundation for future research on community policing in Cameroon and similar settings. By identifying gaps in the current understanding of community policing's impact, the study can guide further inquiries and investigations into specific aspects of community policing that require attention.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will examine whether there is a community policing exist in Cameroon, assess the impact of community policing as a tool for checkmating crime in Cameroon, determine whether community policing has impacted the overall sense of safety and security among Cameroonian communities and investigate the challenges  faced by community policing efforts in Cameroon

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced

1.9Definition of Terms

Community Policing: Community policing is a law enforcement strategy that emphasizes building relationships and partnerships between police forces and the communities they serve. This approach focuses on proactive engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and mutual trust to enhance public safety and address the root causes of crime.

Checkmating Crime: Checkmating crime refers to the process of effectively preventing, controlling, or reducing criminal activities through strategic interventions and comprehensive approaches, including law enforcement efforts and community involvement.

Crime Prevention: Crime prevention encompasses a variety of strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing the occurrence and impact of criminal activities. 

Public Safety: Public safety is the welfare and protection of the general public. It encompasses various aspects such as crime prevention, emergency response, and community well-being, aiming to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens.

Policing Strategy: A policing strategy refers to a planned approach or methodology adopted by law enforcement agencies to manage crime and maintain public order. Strategies can include traditional policing methods, community policing, intelligence-led policing, and more.

Law Enforcement: Law enforcement is the system through which police officers and other authorized entities maintain public order, enforce laws, and protect citizens. It includes the detection, prevention, investigation, and punishment of criminal activities.