Reducing Crime and Violence through Community Policing: A Case Study of Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

References

[1] Adeyemi RA, Oyebamiji TA (2018). Economic deprivation and criminal behaviour in Nigeria: A sociological analysis. Journal of Law and Criminal Justice, 6(1), 45–58.

[2] Akinlupe B (2019). Political interference and police corruption in Nigeria: Implications for community policing. Paper presented at the National Conference on Security Challenges, Abuja.

[3] Alemika EEO, Chukwuma IC (2019). The Nigeria Police Force and the crisis of legitimacy. CLEEN Foundation.

[4] Ayodele J (2015). Community policing in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies, 9(1), 20–35.

[5] Daniel E (2022). Community policing and crime control in selected communities of Niger State, Nigeria. International Journal of Public Safety and Security, 1(1), 78–92.

[6] ECOWAS (2019). ECOWAS policy on community-based security. Economic Community of West African States.

[7] Greene JR, Mastrofski SD (2019). Community policing: Rhetoric or reality? Praeger.

[8] Kelling GL, Moore MH (2018). The evolving strategy of policing. Perspectives on Policing, 4, 1–15.

[9] Nigeria Police Force (2019). Community policing policy framework. NPF Headquarters.

[10] Nworgu BG (2006). Educational research: Basic issues and methodology. University Trust Publishers.

[11] Okafor S (2019). Local governance and security in Nigeria. Journal of African Security, 12(3), 210–228.

[12] Omeje A (2021). Community policing as an effective strategy for crime reduction in Enugu State: Issues and challenges. Nigeria Journal of Sociology and Criminology, 5(2), 112–130.

[13] Rosenbaum DP, editor (2019). The challenge of community policing: Testing the promises. Sage Publications.

[14] Sampson RJ, Raudenbush SW, Earls F (1997). Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy. Science, 277(5328), 918–924.

[15] Shaw CR, McKay HD (1942). Juvenile delinquency and urban areas. University of Chicago Press.

[16] Skogan WG, Hartnett SM (2019). Community policing, Chicago style. Oxford University Press.

[17] Trojanowicz R, Bucqueroux B (2018). Community policing: A contemporary perspective. Routledge.

[18] Tyler TR (1990). Why people obey the law. Yale University Press.

[19] Usman A (2023). Impact of community policing on crime reduction in Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. Journal of Strategic Security Studies, 18(1), 55–70.

[20] Weisburd D, Eck JE (2017). What can police do to reduce crime, disorder, and fear? The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 593(1), 42–65.

@article{1723811,
      author = {Jacob Erinola AROKOYO, Ohize Abdulmumin AHMED, Lare Agnes ABALAKA, Favour Yetunde Mejiyan},
      title = {Reducing Crime and Violence through Community Policing: A Case Study of Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {4},
      pages = {1810-1817},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723811.pdf},
      abstract = {This study investigates the efficacy of Community Policing (CP) as a strategy for reducing crime and violence in Lokoja Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey design with a sample of 400 residents, the research focused on three core objectives: assessing the level of community awareness of CP initiatives, evaluating the perceived influence of CP on crime reduction, and identifying effective CP strategies. Findings indicate a moderate level of awareness (Mean=2.73) and a similarly moderate perceived influence of CP (Mean=2.74). Key strategies endorsed by respondents include enhanced visible police presence, the use of advanced technology, and robust community engagement programs (Cluster Mean=2.93). The study concludes that while CP holds significant promise, its full potential in Lokoja is hampered by deficits in public trust, inconsistent implementation, and inadequate resource allocation. Recommendations are proffered for intensifying community education, institutionalizing participatory frameworks, and fostering stronger police-community partnerships to engender sustainable security.},
      keywords = {community policing; crime reduction; violence; security strategies; public awareness},
      month = {October},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I4-1723811}
  }