Published 2023-07-31
Keywords
- Security,
- community,
- policing,
- peace,
- engagement
How to Cite
How to Cite
Abstract
Economically vibrant and peaceful communities breathe a fresh air of peace and progress for the nation. Harassed communities signal a dysfunctional State system. This study is on the strategies for fostering peace and national progress through community policing in Southeast, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated for the study. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Four hundred respondents were randomly sampled using the Multi-stage sampling technique. Both quantitative and qualitative tools were employed for the study. Instrument for quantitative data was the questionnaire. While for qualitative data, in-depth interview guide was used. Quantitative data collected were subjected to percentages, mean, t-test and chi-square test. While qualitative data was thematically analyzed. The study revealed that the collaboration of community police and law enforcement agencies reduced criminal activities. The study equally shows that peace was sustained by engaging community members, worship centers, banks, market squares etc in policing. Further findings revealed that socio-economic activities are significantly associated with community policing (p < 0.05). The study recommends among others that, there is a need to support community policing for effective policing in the country. Not just institutionalizing the types of machinery, but adequate operational facilities should be given to security agencies to assist in their proper functioning.