COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of community policing as a crime reduction strategy in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Southwest Nigeria, highlighting its structures, outcomes, challenges, and stakeholder perceptions. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining a survey of 400 respondents with 20 key informant interviews drawn from police officers, vigilante members, community leaders, and residents. A structured 4-point Likert scale questionnaire captured perceptions of crime trends, collaboration, and implementation challenges, while interviews provided deeper contextual insights. Descriptive statistics, regression, and ANOVA were conducted using SPSS v.26, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results show that community policing has modestly improved neighborhood security and strengthened collaboration between police and residents, with vigilante-police partnerships identified as particularly effective. Regression analysis confirmed that collaboration, intelligence sharing, and funding adequacy are significant predictors of crime reduction, while corruption and mistrust exerted negative effects. ANOVA results revealed significant perception gaps, with police and vigilantes rating community policing more positively than residents, reflecting persistent challenges of trust and legitimacy. The study recommends increased funding, regular training, and logistical support for community policing structures; mechanisms for accountability and transparency to reduce corruption; improved coordination between the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun, and vigilante groups; and integration of community policing with youth empowerment and social development programs to tackle root causes of crime.