Community Appraisal of Police Activities Among the Residents of Orlu Local Government Area Imo State

This study investigated community appraisal of police activities among residents of Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. Four research questions guided the study. The research was hinged on the Institutional Theory, Differential Association Theory and Symbolic Interaction Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of this study comprised of all residents in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State who are between ages 18 - 64 years. Data revealed that there are 84,536 people within this bracket. The sample size comprised 346 people between the ages of 18 – 64 years using the Taro Yamane formula. The instrument for data collection for this study was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was titled “Community Appraisal of Police Activities Questionnaire” (CAPAQ). Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized to answer the study questions. The study found out that youths in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State have differing views on the interactions between law enforcement officers and community members. They rate the trust and confidence of the police force low, and agree that discriminatory practices based on ethnicity or social statuses are common. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended amongst others that the police department should actively engage with residents through community meetings, town hall discussions, and other outreach programs. This will help build trust and improve communication between the police and the community.