The Efficacy of foot patrols on crime reduction in Masvingo Central Police district

Author
Ticharwa, Edgar
Title
The Efficacy of foot patrols on crime reduction in Masvingo Central Police district
Abstract
The rise in the level of crime has brought about considerable fear and economic costs among citizens and the nation at large hence authorities have to rise to the occasion. During the previous years, the police have been utilizing foot patrols as the main measure to reduce crime levels but to no avail. It is within this background that the researcher was motivated to carry out the study. The purpose of the research was to investigate the efficacy of foot patrols on crime reduction with specific reference to Masvingo Central Police District. This study was conducted using a descriptive survey research design. The target population was police officers from Masvingo central district. A sample size of 77 participants was selected composed of the regular police officers, members of the Neighborhood Watch Committee, Crime Liaison Committee and Business against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The researcher used SPSS to analyze quantitative data and summative content analysis to analyze qualitative data. The main findings of the research were that the main forms of patrols conducted are saturation, hotspot and beat patrols. It found out that foot patrols are very significant on quick solving of crime, increasing crime awareness and improving police-public relations. The study also found out that limited manpower, inadequate resources and lack of motivation are the challenges which impact on the efficacy of foot patrols. The researcher concluded that the use of foot patrols can be effective on crime reduction if challenges involved are addressed. In order to counter the challenges which hinder the efficacy of foot patrols, the study recommended formulation of policies, measures and strategies such as to allocate adequate resources to the police, persistent engagement with the public and motivation of police personnel.
Date
June 2023
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Crime,
Masvingo,
Supervisor
N/A
Item sets
Department of Intelligence and Security Studies
Media
Ticharwa, Edgar.pdf

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