The Role of Community Participation in Ekiti

This study investigates the role of community participation in crime prevention and control within the Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The primary objective was to assess how community engagement contributes to reducing crime rates. Specifically, the research aims to: identify factors that promotes community participation in combating crime, explore strategies employed by the community in this effort and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. A survey research design was utilized, involving questionnaires and in-depth interviews with stakeholders, including community members, leaders, religious figures and the police officers. The study sampled 125 respondents, comprising males and females aged 18 and above, drawn from six out of the eleven political wards in the ikere. Data collection employed both qualitative and quantitative method with statistical analysis performed using SPSS for quantitative data thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Fighting indicate that community participation has emerged as a vital response to high crime rates and perceived police ineffectiveness. Key strategy identify include neighborhood watch programs, foot patrols and community-led stop-and-search initiatives. Respondent reported a significant reduction in crime rates attributed to these participatory efforts. However, challenges such as inadequate government support, lack of logistics, and insufficient police recognition were also highlighted. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical importance of community participation in crime control and suggest recommendations for enhancing these efforts. These include improving public-police relations, providing necessary equipment, and increasing government funding. Furthermore, fostering community awareness and involvement is essential for the sustainability of crime prevention initiatives. By leveraging community resources and strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies in Ikere can be significantly enhanced.