Evaluating community policing strategy:a case study of Kenya police

Abstract

Community policing is important to both the local people and business people because it lets them know law and order is on their side all the time, not just when a serious or violent crime takes place. It reassures owners and managers that they can provide a safe work environment without having to take refuge in some distant office park. It allows businesses to cluster efficiently at a place where decision makers can get together on short notice or just by walking across the street. For this reason there must be good communication between the police, neighbourhood leaders and business owners. Beyond this communication, there must be conscientious efforts to act upon what is suspected to be the security threat in a particular area. Community policing is very important in not only assuring residents enough security in their area but also by making citizens responsible for bringing that security. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate community policing strategy by the Kenya Police, The study sought to answer the question; how does the Kenya Police intend to implement the strategic plan for community policing in Kenya? It identified the key elements of the strategy plan for community policing and how the Kenya Police intends to implement it. The study established that majority of the police officers supported the implementation plan for community policing. However various issues must be addressed for successful implementation of the strategy. Recommendations were made to both police management, the government and for future research.