Fakanbi Kehinde Ernest

Keywords: Security-architecture, community policing, insecurity, police

Abstract

This study interrogates community policing in Nigeria as a proactive policing strategy that shifts from the reactive policing paradigm which is no longer effective in modern-day policing. Nigeria is currently deviled with insecurity in form of terrorism, banditry and ritualism – this has resulted in the wanton destruction of human lives and properties. Calls for community policing have heightened in Nigeria as it is believed that police personnel drawn from a community would definitely understand the geographical terrain of the community than, non-natives that are brought from other states and regions of the country. Thus, the need to engage natives and local community members in enforcing tight security of a community has become more imperative. Data for this paper emerged through a systematic review of secondary data sources such as textbooks, online journal articles, newspapers, government publications. The Broken Window Theory forms the theoretical foundation of the paper. Findings established that community policing is considered a viable alternative to traditional or conventional policing in Nigeria. The paper concludes that community policing seeks to ensure a constructive engagement with community people, thereby making the community co-producers of security, justice and social order. The paper recommends the use of technology in community policing.

Author Biography

Fakanbi Kehinde Ernest

Department of Political Science Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

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