DEPARTMENT OF CRIME PREVENTION AND

PUBLIC SECURITY STUDIES

AN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY POLICING

PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES IN GAMBELLA
TOWN: THE CASE STUDY OF; GAMBELLA POLICE
COMMISSION.

BY

JONG MANYTAP PAL

ID NO. 008/14

February, 2024

Sendafa, Ethiopia
 THE PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF
COMMUNITY POLICING IN GAMBELLA TOWN:
THE CASE STUDY OF GAMBELLA POLICE
COMMISSION

BY:

Jong Manytap Pal

ADVISOR:

C/Inspector B/Mariyam A

A Research Proposal Submitted to in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree in Crime Prevention.

February, 2024
 Sendafa, Ethiopia

Table of Contents

List of Acronyms......................................................................................................................................i
CHAPTER ONE....................................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background of the Study.........................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the Problem.........................................................................................................3
1.3. Objective of the Study.............................................................................................................4
1.4. Research Questions..................................................................................................................4
1.5. Scope of the Study...................................................................................................................5
1.6. Significance of the Study.........................................................................................................5
1.7. Organization of the paper........................................................................................................6
1.8. Conceptual Definition:.............................................................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO...................................................................................................................................7
2. LITERATURE REVIEW....................................................................................................................7
2.1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................7
2.2. Definition of Community Policing..........................................................................................7
2.3. General Principle of Community Policing...............................................................................8
2.3.1. Organizational decentralization.......................................................................................8
2.3.2. Proactive policing............................................................................................................8
2.3.3. Partnership.......................................................................................................................9
2.3.4. Strategies for Community Policing..................................................................................9
2.3.5. Problem solving...............................................................................................................9
2.4. Challenges of Community Policing.........................................................................................9
2.4.1. Internal Police Organization challenges................................................................................9
2.4.2. External challenge of Police Organization..........................................................................10
2.5. Characteristics of Community Policing.................................................................................10
2.5.1. Service Orientation........................................................................................................10
2.5.2. Partnership.....................................................................................................................10
2.5.3. Problem Solving................................................................................................................11
2.5.4. Empowerment................................................................................................................11
2.5.5. Accountability................................................................................................................11
2.6. Benefits of Community Policing...........................................................................................11
2.7. Theoretical Perspectives of community policing...................................................................12
2.7.1. Normative Sponsorship Theory.....................................................................................12
2.7.2. Broken Window Theory................................................................................................12
2.7.3. Social control theory of community engagement..........................................................12
2.7.4. The theory of community Participation.........................................................................13
2.8. Empirical perspectives of community policing.....................................................................14
2.8.1. Ethiopian Experiences about Community Policing.......................................................14
2.8.2. Foreign Experiences about Community Policing..........................................................14
2.8.2.3. Community building theory in Indian.......................................................................15

II
CHAPTER THREE.............................................................................................................................17
3. Research Methods..............................................................................................................................17
3.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................17
3.2. Study Area.............................................................................................................................17
3.3. Research Approach and Design.............................................................................................17
3.4. Data Sources..........................................................................................................................17
3.4.1. Primary data:..................................................................................................................17
3.4.2. Secondary Sources.........................................................................................................18
3.5. Methods of Data Collection...................................................................................................18
3.5.1. Interview........................................................................................................................18
3.5.2. Focus group discussion..................................................................................................18
3.5.3. Document review...........................................................................................................19
3.6. Sampling Technique..............................................................................................................19
3.7. Method of Data Analysis.......................................................................................................19
3.8. Ethical Considerations...........................................................................................................20

3.9. Work Schedule...........................................................................................................................21

3.10. Budget schedule.....................................................................................................................21
References..............................................................................................................................................22

III
Acronyms

CPFs: Community Police Forums

EFPC: Ethiopian Federal Police Commission

BJA: Bureau of Justice Assistance

CP: Community Policing

FGD: Focus Group Discussions

i
 CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study

Community policing (CP) is a guiding philosophy that shapes police management practices
and operational tactics, prioritizing forming partnerships between law enforcement agencies
and the community. This approach emphasizes a problem-solving mindset tailored to address
the specific needs of the community, fostering a collaborative relationship between the police
and the public. CP involves a joint effort between law enforcement and community members
to identify and resolve local issues (U.S. Department of Justice, 2009). Moreover, community
policing is an anticipatory approach aimed at improving communication, fostering trust, and
bolstering public safety through the collaborative efforts of both the community and law
enforcement (Skogan & Hartnett, 2019).

CP involves collaboration between law enforcement and the community to identify and tackle
local issues, empowering the community to set priorities. In the 19th century, the origins of
CP can be traced back to 1829 when British statesman Robert Peel, known as "the founder of
modern policing," launched the "Principles of Democratic Policing" (Omeje & Nwankwo,
2016). These principles emphasized the importance of police officers working closely with
the community to prevent crime and maintain public order (US Department of Justice, 2017).

In United States of America Department of justice define community policing as a new

philosophy of policing based on the concept that police officers and community working
together in creative ways that can help to solve contemporary community problems related to
crime, fear of crime, social and physical disorder (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1994). This
philosophy is compelling police departments to forge new relationships with the community,
giving them a greater voice in setting local priorities and involving them in efforts to improve
the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods (Fisher-Stewat, 2007).

Another country In China, King Wa (2009) noted that In keeping with the “for the
community and by the community” philosophy, there is a strong emphasis on collective
accountability for government and police. Thus, “security is maintained by local social and

1
political structures that require compatibility with the collective community and the state.
Recently, China has moved away from this concept of collective responsibility in favor of a
more industrialized and professional model of policing. Concepts central to policing, such as
“community cooperation” and “community consent,” are highly subjective and politically
vulnerable. It is conceivable that community policing will be limited to locating the police
and communicating with residents. As a result, any police department 3 that has previously
required officers to know more about crime in a particular neighborhood or location can
apply to exercise community policing.

In South Africa, Baker (2002), The South African police force faces challenges such as low
morale, a police culture that values discretion, and limited resources. CP, a project aimed at
transforming police practices, has been introduced to address these issues. An initiative in
Nyanga, Western Cape, mimics Western foot patrols, but faces challenges such as low morale
among officers, lack of trust in the police, and old alliances. Mobilizing the community as an
intelligence resource creates an imbalanced relationship, where the community is seen as a
tool rather than a partner, limiting the police's ability to provide information.

Community policing in Ethiopia was announced officially as a policy at the national level
in 2005 E.C but development of the approach had been ongoing for a number of years
previously (Denny and Demelash, 2013) It is based on the premise that both the police and
the community must work together to identify, prioritize and solve contemporary problems
such as crime, drug use, fear of crime, social disorder and overall neighborhood decay, with
the goal of improving overall quality.

In the Gambella region, since 2004, a Regional Community Policing Coordinating

Department has been established in the commission to implement community policing.
Therefore, the commission recruited 15 cadet students and graduated from the diploma-level
CPO course in community police at the diploma level in the SNNPR Police College (Aposto)
campus in terms of improving and assigning professional and leadership capacity and ethics
levels. To implement the philosophy, it was possible to put it into practice by assigning it to
five kebeles selected in Gambella town (Gambella police commission annual plane 2006).

Thus, this study will focus on the practice and challenges of community policing in
Gambella town: The Case of Gambella police commission.

2
1.2. Statement of the Problem

The shift in police work towards a crime prevention strategy that centres on active
involvement of the public through community policing principles is expected to be a key
approach. This contemporary policing philosophy entails proactive cooperation between law
enforcement officers and the community to tackle crime and social disorder, aiming to
improve quality of life, prevent crime, and reduce fear of criminal activities. Woods &
Ziembo-Vogl (1996:1) support this notion.

Research has been conducted by different scholars study by practice and challenges of
community policing. John (2017) conducted a study on the role of community policing in
crime prevention, Additionally, Dominic (2014) emphasizes that community policing is
distinct in nature, aiming to prioritize the security of a particular community, understand their
unique security needs, and create customized solutions to address those needs.

There are studies on various topics of community policing. For example, Frehiywot (2015)
conducted a study on the challenges and prospects of implementing community policing in
the Bole suburb and found a lack of awareness and training on the concept of community
policing, lack of incentive systems and staff attitudes towards the proximity police.

Fitsum, Kasahun, and Yared (2016) investigated the implementation of community policing
in Addis Ababa slums and reported positive progress in its implementation. In contrast,
Anteneh (2017) focused on grassroots policing and gender-based violence in the Yeka
suburb, revealing a lack of familiarity with the theoretical and practical aspects of community
policing and its fundamental principles within grassroots policing initiatives. These findings
highlight the varied levels of awareness and understanding of community policing among
different communities and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to effectively
implement community policing strategies.

Girma (2018) conducted a study on the challenges of implementing community policing in

the Addis Ketema Sub-City, revealing that there are significant obstacles in ensuring the
protection of civil rights for individuals. The research highlighted that, unfortunately, the
focus on combating crime often takes precedence over safeguarding human rights within the
community policing practice.

3
This research topic begins with the Area Gap, leading us to examine the challenges and
limitations surrounding the implementation of community-based policing in the Gambella
town. The second starting point is the time gap. Although the studies discussed in the
research paper above were done in different regions of Ethiopia, the studies were done five
years ago, so it is not possible to explore the limitations of the current community-wide
implementation. Another starting point of my research will now aim to explore the practice
and challenges of community implementation in the Gambella Region Police Commission
and to put solutions in place.
The main purpose of this study is to clearly show the practice and challenges of community
policing in the case of gambella town. By addressing this gap, the study aims to contribute
valuable insights to the field and assist law enforcement agencies in effectively promoting
community policing within the gambella city police commission.

1.3. Objective of the Study

1.3.1. General Objective

The general objective of this study is to describe the practice and challenges of community
policing in gambella town.

1.3.2. Specific Objectives of the Study

 To examine the current practices of community policing in Gambella town,

 To identify and analyze the challenges faced by the Gambella City Police in
implementing community policing initiatives,
 To propose recommendations and strategies to address the identified challenges and
improve the practice of community policing in Gambella town.

1.4. Research Questions

1. What are the current practices of community policing in Gambella town?

2. What challenges do the Gambella City Police face in implementing community policing
initiatives?

3. What recommendations and strategies can be proposed to address the identified

challenges and improve the practice of community policing in Gambella town?

4
1.5. Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the practices and challenges of community policing in Gambella town,
specifically within its five kebeles. The research is geographically delimited to this area due
to the researcher's familiarity. Conceptually, the study examines the implementation of
community policing initiatives. Data collection spans three years, from 2013 to 2015 E.C.,
utilizing qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus group discussions, and
document reviews.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The research on the practices and challenges of community policing in Gambella town holds
significant importance for several reasons:

Local Context Understanding: This study will provide valuable insights into the specific
context of community policing in Gambella town. By exploring the practices and challenges
faced by the Gambella City Police, the research will contribute to a better understanding of
the dynamics of law enforcement in this particular area.

Enhancing Community Safety: Community policing is an essential strategy for enhancing

public safety and promoting positive police-community relations. By identifying the current
practices and challenges in Gambella town, this research can lead to the development of more
effective strategies for building trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies
and the community.

Policy Implications: The findings of this study can have practical implications for policy-
making and decision-making at the local level. By proposing recommendations and strategies
to address the identified challenges, the research can inform policymakers and law
enforcement authorities on how to improve the implementation of community policing
initiatives in Gambella town.

Capacity Building: By highlighting the challenges faced by the Gambella City Police in
implementing community policing initiatives, this research can also contribute to capacity-
building efforts within the police force. The recommendations proposed in the study can help
enhance the skills and capabilities of law enforcement officers to effectively practicing
community policing. In conclusion, the research on the practices and challenges of
community policing in Gambella town is significant for its potential impact on community
5
safety, policy development, academic knowledge, and capacity-building within the local law
enforcement agencies.

1.7. Organization of the paper

This proposal consists of three chapters. The first chapter deals with the introduction:
background of the research, statement of the problem, research questions, objective of the
study, significance of the study, scope of the study, limitations of the study, ethical
considerations and organization of the paper. The second chapter presents related literature; it
also incorporates the theoretical, empirical, and conceptual framework of community
policing, and chapter three is about research methodology.

1.8. Conceptual Definition:

Community policing: is a collaborative law enforcement approach that emphasizes proactive

engagement between police officers and community members to address local safety and
security issues. It involves building trust, communication, and partnerships between the
police and residents to create a safer environment through shared responsibility and problem-
solving strategies (Peak and Kenneth, 1999).

Practices of Community Policing in Gambella Town: Refer to the specific activities,

methods, and initiatives implemented by the Gambella City Police to engage with the local
community, prevent crime, and enhance public safety. These practices may include foot
patrols, community meetings, outreach programs, joint problem-solving efforts, and other
strategies aimed at building positive relationships and addressing community concerns.

Challenges of Community Policing in Gambella Town: Encompass the obstacles,

limitations, and issues faced by the Gambella City Police in effectively implementing
community policing initiatives. These challenges may include lack of resources, inadequate
training, communication barriers, cultural differences, mistrust between police and
community members, resistance to change, and other factors that hinder the successful
implementation of community-oriented policing strategies in the local context.

6
 CHAPTER TWO

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction

The sources included in the review are also categorized as concept of community policing
empirical, Practitioner self-assessment and theoretical where evidence is presented as
Consistent this means there are three sources from each category to Support.

2.2. Definition of Community Policing

Definition of Community Policing Community policing is being applied throughout the

world as a key strategy for current police operations, future reforms and it has taken as the
most familiar term in the modern law enforcement system. So far, community policing has
been variously defined; some by purpose and functions, others by structure and programs. As
a result, there is no universally agreed conceptual clarity about community policing as an idea
or program. Community policing as an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
(COPS) defines an organization- wide philosophy and management approach that promotes
partnerships, proactive problem solving, and community engagement to address the causes of
crime, the fear of crime, and other related community issues. According to (Steven, 2003)
Modern law enforcement began in England with the formation of the London Metropolitan
Police District in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel. The new police force was created to address the
increasing crime rates in Great Britain’s capital. Peel, the first chief of the police force, is
credited with developing several innovations and principles that are still practiced today.
First, he assigned his officers to regular foot-patrol areas, charging them with the task of
preventing and suppressing crime in their assigned geographic areas. Patrol beats enabled the
police officers to get to know their assigned neighborhood and for residents to become
familiar with members of the local police department. The general objectives of community
policing are to reduce crime and improve police- community relations. Community policing
is a philosophy, management style, and organizational design that promotes proactive
problem solving and police-community partnership to address the causes of crime and fear as
well as other community issues. A major objective of community policing is to establish an
active partnership between the police and the community through which crime, service
delivery and police-community relations can jointly be analyzed and appropriate solutions
designed and implemented. This, however, requires that the police should consciously strive

7
to create an atmosphere in which potential community partners are willing and able to
cooperate with the police. (Friedman, 1992) offered the following definition of community
policing as a far more comprehensive approach than was known in the literature to date:
“Community policing is a policy and a strategy aimed at achieving more effective and
efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life, improved police
services and police legitimacy, through a proactive reliance on community resources that
seeks to change crime causing conditions. This assumes a need for greater accountability of
police, greater public share in decision making, and greater concern for civil rights and
liberties.” One moreover, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) in the
U.S. Department of Justice describes community policing as follows According to (Kelling
and Moore, 1988) “Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational
strategies, which support the systemic use of partnerships and problemsolving techniques to
proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as
crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. Sir Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police
Force in 1829 and this date is often seen as the beginning of modern policing.

2.3. General Principle of Community Policing

The general principles on which CP relies are that any police organization that wants to
follow community policing strategy must stand the principles (Wilson & Kelling, 1988)

2.3.1. Organizational decentralization

Organizational centralization is the first of these is the principle of CP. This practice calls for
the implementation of foot and bicycle patrols and localized police stations. This
reorientation of police patrol is done with the intention of establishing a more intimate
communication between police and residents (Mayhill, 2004).

2.3.2. Proactive policing

Proactive policing is the second general principle of CP. Community policing asks police
departments to change their incident-driven reactive policies to a proactive and creative
resolution to crime. This new focus in community policing is often termed “problemoriented
policing”. This approach may utilize a four-step process represented by the acronym SARA:
Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. It is the basis of the crime analysis model
developed by the Newport News Police Department (Swanson, 2001).

8
 2.3.3. Partnership

The establishment of CP Forums and Boards which should be broadly representative of the
community is of crucial importance. This should be seen as a cooperative effort to facilitate a
process of problem-solving. The main objective of this partnership is to determine, through
consultation, community needs and policing priorities, and to promote police accountability,
transparency and effectiveness (Goldstein, 1990).

2.3.4. Strategies for Community Policing

Strategy is an idea that has been introduced in the business community after the end of the
Second World War. The aim was to ensure their sustainability to remain in the marketing
realm of the world and the country where they operate. Knowledge of these helps one to
easily pick up the necessary points and ensures the presence of all attributing to the effect of
community policing (Sparrow, 1988).

2.3.5. Problem solving

This relates to the joint identification and analysis of the actual and potential cause of crime
and conflict within communities. This analysis guides the development of measures to
address such problems over the short, medium, and long term. Problem solving also involves
conflict resolution and creative problem solving methods to address problems related to
service delivery and police-community relations (Steinberg, 2011).

2.4. Challenges of Community Policing

Despite the fact that CP has lots of significance for the public at large there are some
unanswered questions about its impact. CP can face a challenge from two directions.

2.4.1. Internal Police Organization challenges

The biggest obstacle facing anyone who would implement a new strategy of policing is the
difficulty of changing the ongoing culture of policing (Spelman, & Eck, 1987). Failure to
brief police officers regarding the effectiveness of community policing: First of all, the police
chief has to let the subordinate really believe that community policing can get better
effectiveness compared to traditional policing. Community policing means different things to
different people. There are many perspectives on community policing, and each of them is
built on assumptions that are only partially supported by empirical evidence. Focus on
centralized policing instead of a decentralization program: According to Theory, the
9
employee does not want to get authority and just waits for the supervisor’s order. (Moore,
1992), Supports decentralization and said: Authority and responsibility can sometimes be
delegated more widely so that commanders, supervisors, and officers can act more
independently and be more responsive. Fear of adopting community policing will affect the
broader police function: It is a known fact that police function is originally quite broad and
varied. Perhaps due to the influence of the professional model, police function narrowed in
recent decades. Community policing embraces a broad view of the police function rather than
a narrow focus on crime fighting or law enforcement (Moore, 1992).

2.4.2. External challenge of Police Organization

As the name indicates community policing belongs to the community and a lot of support is
also required from the society at large. Other words, a police agency needs not only the
support of the public but also the other government departments. Failure to understand the
outside environment: Community policing approach adapted with no alteration without
considering the specific conditions and needs of the environment, characteristics of the
community and the structures of police organization often fails to produce desired result.

2.5. Characteristics of Community Policing

The following are important characteristics of the philosophy of community policing

collected from different sources (Givens, 1993).

2.5.1. Service Orientation

Service orientation is primarily concerned with promoting the concept that the community is
the client, and the police are the service provider. This means that the various needs of the
clients must be taken into account, to enable the rendering of a professional, client – centered
service that is effective, efficient and accountable.

2.5.2. Partnership

The establishment of Community Police Forums and Boards which should be broadly
representative of the community is of crucial importance. This should be seen as a
cooperative effort to facilitate a process of problem-solving. The main objective of this
partnership is to determine, through consultation, community needs and policing priorities,
and to promote police accountability, transparency and effectiveness.

10
 2.5.3. Problem Solving

This relates to the joint identification and analysis of the actual and potential cause of crime
and conflict within communities. This analysis guides the development of measures to
address such problems over the short, medium, and long term. Problem solving also involves
conflict resolution and creative problem solving methods to address problems related to
service delivery and police-community relations.

2.5.4. Empowerment

This refers to the creation of a sense of joint responsibility and a joint capacity for addressing
crime, service delivery and safety and security amongst members of the community and the
Federal and Regional policies of Ethiopia.

2.5.5. Accountability

Accountability will be understood by creating devices through which the police can be
answerable to speak to the needs and concerns of the community they serve.

2.6. Benefits of Community Policing

The lack of a concrete definition for community policing and vague measures of success has
contributed to the difficulties in determining effectiveness. However, there are a number of
benefits identified in the literature. The benefits of community policing originate from the
work of (Mayhill and Andy, 2004). To Improving police community relationships and
community perceptions of police: Opportunity to increase public accountability through
participation, a number of community policing initiatives illustrate positive results in
improving community relationships and perceptions of police, Community and police work
towards shared goals. Increasing community capacity to deal with issues: Empowers the
community to response the community concerns, Positive attitudes in the community to
interact, deal with, and solve problems and Opportunity for community grassroots support for
police. Changing police officers' attitudes and behaviors: Police officers increase interaction
with and confidence of the community. Police and community develop positive relationships
and Community policing is linked to increased job satisfaction.

11
2.7. Theoretical Perspectives of community policing

This study was guided by three theoretical foundations of CP, namely the normative
sponsorship theory, Social control theory and the broken windows theory (Wilson & Kelling,
1982).

2.7.1. Normative Sponsorship Theory

One theory used to explain the philosophical bases of community policing is the Normative
Sponsorship Theory by (Wilson, 1982). The theory posits that a significant number of people
have goodwill and that cooperation becomes a necessary factor towards building a
harmonious community. It postulates that a community programmed will be supported only if
it is “within the limit of established standard” to all people. Simply put, the police cannot
achieve any positive transformation without the support of the public.

2.7.2. Broken Window Theory

It is a criminological theory that explains the signaling effect of urban disorder and
Vandalism as contributors to crime and antisocial behavior. The theory states that
maintaining and monitoring urban environments in a well-ordered condition may stop further
vandalism and escalation into more serious crime. The broken window theory was first
articulated by (Wilson & Kelling, 1982). The broken windows theory assumes that minor
disorder, if not taken seriously and attacked, will decrease fear of crime, informal social
control, and increase crime. Police departments have adopted this theory based on its
opposition that by controlling minor disorders, serious crimes can be reduced.

2.7.3. Social control theory of community engagement

There is a strong theoretical case for community engagement in policing. It is suggested that
informal mechanisms of social control play a greater role than formal mechanisms based on
traditional, reactive, enforcement-based policing. Greater community participation in policing
is likely to have benefits for both Police-community relations and actual levels of crime and
disorder. The review assesses consistency of evidence to support the following potential
benefits: reduced crime; reduced disorder; increased feelings of safety; improved police-
community relations and community perceptions; greater community capacity; and changing
officer attitudes and behavior. The review also makes an assessment of the consistency of
evidence relating to the quality of community participation in policing, including a separate
assessment of ‘problemsolving’.
12
 2.7.4. The theory of community Participation

(Rogers and Robinson, 2004) in a systematic review of community participation in area based
creativities, suggest that many authors base their advocacy of participation on ‘perceived’ as
opposed to ‘potential’ benefits.: it makes for more effective planning and delivery of public
services that are seen as legitimate by those who participated in the decision-making; and it is
a right that is justified and that demonstrates the exercise of citizenship. (Taylor, M, 2000),
‘rehearse’ the arguments for community participation, “the source of which is indistinct”
Community participation gives local residents the opportunity to develop skills and networks
that they need to address social exclusion; Active participation of local residents is essential
to improved democratic and service accountability; and Central government requires
community participation in regeneration and neighborhood renewal strategies. It can be
argued that this theoretical case can apply as much to policing as it can to regeneration.
Argue in a review that “some of the strongest research highlighting the benefits of
community participation comes from the criminal justice field”. However, they principally
cite only Sampson’s work on collective efficacy; the evaluation of the Chicago Alternative
Policing Strategy by Skogan et al (2008). in Chicago, and some evaluation work on
restorative justice in the UK. A more realistic assessment appears in their conclusion, where
they argue that “there is a strong common sense case to be made for community
participation” (Rogers and Robinson, 2004). There is strong theoretical support in the US for
community policing, which can be seen to encompass an engagement philosophy. The theory
suggests that ‘social order’ occurs more from informal social processes than from formal
social control mechanisms such as policing. This makes it important to stimulate citizen
participation in problem-solving activities. Community participation identifies problems the
police may not be aware of and makes communities feel that the police are responsive to their
concerns. This is likely to increase confidence and trust and improve police-community
relations, and also result in a reduction in real crime rates, disorder and antisocial behavior,
and fear of crime. Participating in policing some commentators, such as, argue that
representation may not always be essential if the police provide those who choose to
participate with information of sufficient quality for them to make informed choices that
benefit all elements of the community. Others would argue that this is an optimistic view.
Other commentators highlight the potential for direct community participation to cause
conflict and disparity within communities and neighborhoods, as well as between them.
There is evidence of this from at least one major empirical evaluation of a community

13
policing initiative see On balance, there is theoretical support for community engagement in
policing.

2.8. Empirical perspectives of community policing

2.8.1. Ethiopian Experiences about Community Policing

Community policing in Ethiopia was announced officially as a policy at the national level in
2005 but development of the approach had been ongoing for a number of years before it. In
2004 members of the Ethiopian Federal Police undertook community policing training
provided by 13 British trainers in Addis Ababa. Following this, some senior police officers
traveled to Europe to undertake further training and returned to sanitize colleagues about the
community policing approach. The concept of community policing first introduced in
Ethiopia in 1999 E.C (Solomon & Mengitu, 2006). After 2004E/C Gambella Police
Commission was implemented and as one of the re-engineering processes the community
policing division was established in organization. With the view of improving professional
and leadership capacity and ethical standards, the commission also trained recruits on
community policing at diploma level in SNNPR (Aposto) Police College.

2.8.2. Foreign Experiences about Community Policing

In this topic, we will try to review experiences practiced in countries, Such as Indian,
American and Britain. Countries in changing their policing style that entirely falls on
requesting community participation follows the basic principles of community policing to
which making conceptuality in exploring the reality of their jurisdiction is the major one
taken into consideration. Crime and facilitated the activities to forums to scale up the sense of
ownership towards developing plans and solve community (Kelling, 1982).

2.8.2.1. Community Policing in Britain

History evokes the recognition that modern policing in Britain was introduced in the 1860s.
In the 1980s, countries in Europe were not much affected by crimes, mostly perpetrated in
rural areas, because their development has gradually brought their community into a kind of
urbanization. Therefore, crimes related to vehicle theft, burglary, and domestic violence were
heading the lead in areas people are residing than other types of crimes. According to
(Givens, 1993), The British Police had the body authorized (known as police authority) to
approve the budget and plan of the year. The organ entitled to run duties of police is extracted
from various parts; each part shares equal number of representation (1/3) and are drawn from

14
members of councils of the county, magistrates at instance level, and community
representatives. In Britain, Community Policing got statutory support in 1984, police and
evidence criminal act. This has brought fundamental change towards community
participation and police accountability. The Sharman Report made available in 1985 has
opened a new chapter to community policing to have statutory support. The recommendation
set forward by this report has an enormous contribution to the effectiveness of community
policing. Residents were set up by different groups to work collaboratively with police in
being ruled with the basic principles of CP. Therefore, they are responsible to watch their
surroundings but the targets formulated to attain were encompassed at developing
information exchanging networks that lie within the neighborhoods. In the UK, there are 43
counties where all are autonomous to set the policing style in a way they prefer to obtain.

2.8.2.2. Community Policing In USA

An experience taken from state police depicts that it is formed in mixing various policing
models. These models have come into application after the assessment conducted to
distinguish the impact drawn as a result, and are specifically focused at leveling the service
ahead. In general, the experience excerpt from state police has mainly picked out some
components related to enhancing community awareness on police -community alliances. It
aimed to increase the number of people who oppose it.

2.8.2.3. Community building theory in Indian

Police and community residents share a common concern for maintaining safe, quality
neighborhoods. Practitioners and researchers assume that the police and groups in the
communities in which the police work can “jointly produce” certain public safety outcomes,
such as feelings of safety or fear, levels of disorder and crime, and levels of trust and
cooperation. There is sufficient research on policing impacts to suggest that the police, even
working alone, can affect crime, disorder, fear, and satisfaction with the police, for limited
periods of time. This same research indicates that police alone cannot maintain those
temporary improvements in communities unless something else occurs in the neighborhood.
The ultimate goal in policecommunity collaboration is getting that “something else” to occur
that known something else that sustains a community over the long-term is known as
“community capacity”. We think of community capacity as, “The extent to which members
of a community can work together effectively, including their abilities to develop and sustain
strong relationships, solve problems and make group decisions, and collaborate effectively to

15
identify goals and get work done. According to (Scott, 2002), Another way of thinking about
community capacity is the old saying about the hungry peasant, “give him a fish, and he is
full today but hungry again tomorrow; teach him to fish, and he need never be hungry again.”
Neighbors observing the police reduce crime are not the same as neighbors gaining
experience in controlling crime with the police. Some things that the police do to reduce or
prevent crime may promote dependency of the citizenry on the police and thereby reduce the
strength of civic institutions, even if they have short term positive effects on crime. Other
things the police may do to reduce or prevent crime may promote (Atlanta, GA, November
200 When police make this contribution to civic engagement, we can talk about police
community building. “Community building” processes are community activities that build
community capacity. The strategy of the Police Community Interaction Project (PCIP) has
been to identify general processes of community building and then to ask how the police
might be involved in such community processes (U.S. Department of Justice, National
Institute of Justice, 2002) PCIP has defined five major community building dimensions in
which the police are often active. These dimensions recognize different ways in which the
police can interact with community groups that improve community capacity. These
interactions highlight the five community building dimensions are interactions that police or
neighborhood groups can strategically work to develop. Both police departments and
neighborhood organizations may exert a degree of control over these interactions. They are
also measurable interactions. Measuring them can help immensely in planning,
implementation, and assessment Display (Atlanta, GA, November 20 there are considerable
differences in attention to these police-community interactions across cities and among
neighborhoods in a single city. The intensity of these interactions may ebb and flow over
time. Single city is very important for understanding how these processes relate to improved
safety, quality of life, and citizen satisfaction. These processes are important for “measuring
what matters” about policing. One goal is to develop user-friendly measurement tools, so
police departments and community groups can individually assess their interactions along
these five community building processes, with modest or no help from The five community
building dimensions are interactions that police or neighborhood groups can strategically
work to develop. Both police departments and neighborhood organizations may exert a
degree of control over these interactions.

16
 CHAPTER THREE

3. Research Methods
3.1. Introduction

This chapter deals with the research methods that will be used in this study. It provides an
overview of the study area, research approach and design and the techniques applied in
analyzing and interpreting the data.

3.2. Study Area

Gambela (Amharic: ጋምቤላ), also spelled Gambella, is a city and separate woreda in Ethiopia
and the capital of the Gambela Region. Located in Anyuak Zone, at the confluence of the
Baro River and its tributary the Jajjabe, the city has a latitude and longitude of 8°15′N
34°35′E and an elevation of 526 meters. It is surrounded by Gambella Zuria.

Gambela is important because bridges over both the Openo and the Jajjaba are located in that
city. The Nuer are the largest ethnic group living in Gambela. The town also boasts an airport
(ICAO code HAGM, IATA GMB) and is near the Gambella National Park (source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambella, January 2024).

3.3. Research Approach and Design

This study will rely on qualitative research approaches because it is the means for exploring,
investigating, understanding events, human behaviors and the meanings of individuals or
groups ascribe to social or human problems (Cresswell, 2007). Among the designs in
qualitative approach, this study will use a case study research design to provide how CP is
practiced and how it plays a role in addressing the causes of crimes in the selected study area.
The study will employ qualitative methods. As Kothari (2004) stated, research design is the
blueprint that assists the even functioning of all research operations.

3.4. Data Sources

3.4.1. Primary data:

This is data that is gathered directly from the source, for example, by Interviews, FGD and
Document review (Bryman, 2016). The primary data source will be collected from the local

17
community, police officers. These could help to get detailed information. Data will be
gathered directly from these sources through interview and FGD techniques.

3.4.2. Secondary Sources

Secondary data that has previously been gathered by another party, for example, from official
documents, scholarly publications, or internet databases (Bryman, 2016), The secondary
source of data will be accessed from libraries, the internet, journals, and previous scholarly
work on the topic area.

3.5. Methods of Data Collection

The study will use interview, FGDs, observation and document review.

3.5.1. Interview

Interview is the commonly used data collection instrument in qualitative research. In this
study, an interview will be used as the main source of primary data. Using this method is
advantageous for the researcher in terms of posing questions for clarification during the
interview sessions. In interview people report how they experienced a particular phenomenon
(Dilshad and Latif, 2013). In this research, the researcher will conduct interview with
purposefully selected CP officers in the selected area. All the interviews will be conduct in
Amharic language and will be transcribed into English. The interviews were recorded
notebook.

3.5.2. Focus group discussion

Focus group discussions are important to collect individuals’ definitions of problems,

opinions and feelings, and meanings associated with the phenomena (Dilshad and Latif,
2013). In this research, FGD will be used to allow the researcher to look into deeply into the
research issue.

It will be conduct with purposefully selected community policing officers and community
policing members. The researcher will conduct 2 FGDs; the maximum number of participants
in the focus group will be 6-8 in order to make it a manageable.

3.5.3. Document review

Document review is another data gathering tool. The relevant police department files, legal
documents, and reports will be also used. This will help the researcher to gather information
18
and to find reliable materials to develop a comprehensive understanding of the practice of
community policing.

3.6. Sampling Technique

The study area has centers. In each center, there are communities policing officers out of
which of them are community policing team leaders. As this research is qualitative,
purposive sampling will be used to select participants since this sampling technique enables
the researcher to select what he/she thinks is a ‘typical’ sample based on specialist knowledge
or selection criteria (William, 2006). So the researcher will use purposive sampling to select
the CP officers based on their responsibility. Accordingly, the researcher will target
community policing team leaders of each CP centers and officers with higher experience in
community policing.

Regarding FGD, the researcher will use the structure of Community policing in the kebeles.
These structures include community policing Advisory Council (Amakari Mikerbet), Village
committee, and Ketena committee. The participants of FGD will be selected from the
member of the above structure based on their involvement and their length of engagement.

3.7. Method of Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis is an interpretative in order to examine the meaningful and symbolic
content of qualitative data. Analysis of data involves interrelated activities which are
performed with the purpose of organizing the collected data in such a manner that they
answer the research questions (Kothari, 2004).

As thematic analysis is one of the techniques to analyze qualitative data, I am going to use it
to analyze the data. To do so, first I will translate the interview data manually, and then it will
be organized and analyzed thematically and will be presented in a descriptive manner based
on objectives of the research. According to Hancock (2002) categorizing thematic concepts
that emerge from qualitative data and putting them in systematic structures is important for
nuanced analysis.

3.8. Ethical Considerations

As Vanderstoep and Johnston (2009), have expounded, research ethics encompasses the
manner in which researchers interact with study participants as well as their responsible
handling of collected data. The study will be conducted with due consideration of the ethics
19
of the research. In the primary data collection, the informed consent of the potential
participants will be obtained. The researcher will inform the participants that their privacy is
confidential without their explicit consent. The participants will be informed to withdraw
from the interview at any time if they feel uncomfortable during the interview. All sources
will be acknowledged appropriately and no information will be manipulated for any other
purpose except for this research. The researcher also employed peer review to reduce bias
and enhance the validity of the research.

20
3.9. Work Schedule

No Description Month

February March April May

1 Proposal writing

2 Approval of the proposal

3 Data collection review

4 Data analysis and interpretation

5 Submitting first draft

6 Submitting final report

3.10. Budget schedule

No. Description Unit Quantity Unit Total Unit Total

cost cost cost cost

Birr Cent Birr Cent

1 Stationary materials and Trip 500 00 500 00

equipment

2 Duplication paper Sheet 0.5 dozen 100 00 100 00

3 Pen Piece 5 50 00 50 00

4 Pencil Piece 1 4 00 4 00

5 Computer service Page 1 18000 00 18000 00

6 Photo copy for draft Page 100 00 100 00

7 Flash disk 1 300 00 300 00

21
 - 2000 00
8 Transportation - 00 2000
00

Total 21,054 birr

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