Challenges Associated With Crime Measurement By Police Officers: A Case Study Of Nairobi County.

Abstract

Ascertaining the true level of criminality has always been a major challenge in Kenya; besides, studies on the same are scanty. This study therefore sought to establish challenges associated with crime measurement by Police officers deployed in Nairobi County, with a view to generating information that would assist in ascertaining the true level of crime in the County and in formulating effective crime control strategies. The study investigated crimerecording practices, competencies and challenges crime recorders and analyst encountered. The study employed a descriptive survey design targeting a sample size of 136 respondents. The respondents were stratified into crime recorders and crime analysts and randomly sampled. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview scheduled was used to collet data from respondents. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data. The study findings indicate that the basic items of crime recorded by police were nature of the reported crime, place and time of commission, particulars of the complainant and suspect, and the motive behind the crime. None of the crime recorders had received specialized training on crime recording. Apart from Uniform Crime Report, less than half of the respondents were conversant on the use of other techniques of measuring crime. The major challenges respondents experienced when measuring crime were inadequate computers, stationeries, office space as well as lack of a standardized method of recording crime data. The study recommended that the Kenya Police Service should develop a standardized training for crime recorders and analysts; embrace technology in its crime measurements; provide adequate equipments and stationeries; and construct offices for crime-recorders and analyst in the County