Community policing plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and security by fostering collaboration between law enforcement bodies and the general public. A well-structured community policing system ensures effective information sharing, nurtures positive community attitudes, and enhances participation in local security management. However, challenges related to implementation and awareness can hinder its effectiveness, and these challenges can be addressed by exerting a combined effort since the issue of peace and tranquility knows no boundary.
Keeping this in mind, The Ethiopian Herald approached Mulualem Taffere, who graduated from Addis Ababa University in peace and Security, and working as a Conflict Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR) Advisor.
He said, “The structure of community policing in the Addis Ababa City Administration and its role in maintaining community safety and security needs to be well consolidated, thereby providing city dwellers with a stable working and living situation. Activities that are expected to be pumped into such a collaborative effort comprise community policing initiatives, information-sharing mechanisms, and public perceptions of local security management practices. Enhancing public awareness and fostering proactive engagement can significantly contribute to crime prevention and overall security management.
Law enforcement agencies should actively engage with residents, improve information sharing mechanisms, and conduct awareness raising campaigns with a view to enhancing community policing effectiveness. Yes, encouraging community participation will also help build trust and ensure better security outcomes, he added
As to him, community policing, which emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and the community, is a crucial strategy for enhancing peace and security. By fostering trust, communication, and shared responsibility, community policing can lead to reduced crime incidents, improved quality of life, and a greater sense of safety for all.
According to Mulualem, community policing contributes to peace and tranquility via intensifying efforts geared towards crime prevention and reduction, in the first place. Yes, community policing involves close collaboration between police and community members to identify and address local crime problems.
By working together, he said the aforesaid elements can develop targeted strategies to prevent crime, reduce fear of crime, and improve overall community safety. This approach can particularly be effective in addressing issues like robbery, murder, and rape.
Secondly, it is of paramount importance in building trust and legitimacy. Such a lucrative initiative also fosters societal amalgamation. Community policing fosters trust between law enforcement and the public, leading to increased cooperation and willingness to report crimes. When police are seen as partners in maintaining peace and security, rather than just enforcers, communities are more likely to support their efforts. This can lead to a greater sense of legitimacy for the police and a more positive relationship between law enforcement bodies and the community.
Third, it is granting citizens with enriched quality of life. Community policing initiatives often extend beyond crime prevention so as to address broader issues like social disorder and neighborhood conditions. It also encourages active participation from community members in identifying problems and developing solutions by empowering citizens to take ownership of their safety and security. Surely community policing can create a more engaged and resilient community.
Next, community policing initiatives are of significantly useful in strengthening social cohesion and communal rapport. It can also help bridge divides within communities by promoting dialogue and collaboration between different groups. Unequivocally, communities can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose by working together to address common challenges. Such a bold move can be particularly important in diverse communities where building trust and understanding between different groups is essential for maintaining peace and security.
Addis Ababa can further enhance its peace and security by addressing these challenges and continuing to strengthen community policing efforts.
It has to be well underscored that the community has to be made well aware of their role in community policing. Equally important, the police should ensure effective interaction with the community so that the community willingly provides information to the police which in turn help in crime prevention, he added.
According to Mulualem, community policing involves three key components—developing community partnerships, engaging in problem solving, and implementing community policing organizational features. The implementation of community policing necessitates fundamental changes in the structure and management of police organizations.
“Community policing, brought about by awareness, increased security for the community. The police need to acutely listen to the concerns of the community and work cooperatively with them to identify and address problems. Increased awareness of community policing has increased the security of the community. The structure of community police information sharing is an essential component of community policing.”
Pertinent and appropriate information should be made available to members of the community whenever possible. Through information sharing, there was no real structure of community policing in crime reduction, which enhances security. Community structure and community policing are critical for maintaining strong ties, ensuring continued participation, and documenting the progress made, he stated.
Amanuel Shondie, a member of the federal police working around Megenagna on his part, said that the community should continue to play a role in community awareness by providing educational materials and organizing awareness campaigns on the importance of community policing. These efforts help bridge the gap between the police and the community.
Despite its potential benefits, community policing in Addis Ababa faces several obstacles including resource constraints, cultural barriers, and gaps in collaboration with other security agencies.
As to Amanuel, the community should be made aware of the role of community policing in promoting safety and security so that people can understand that they have a structure for crime prevention in the locality. The police members should enable the community to be aware of the structural foundation and thus enhance teamwork, commitment, and volunteerism in preventing crimes.
Through information sharing, there will be increased levels of community participation in crime reduction, which enhances security.
Members of the public should be encouraged to have a positive attitude toward the police so that they can maintain good relationships that can boost community policing. This is because a positive attitude toward community policing enhances good cooperation among police officers and hence good security, he said.
“Given the limited community participation in community policing initiatives, encouraging for greater participation should be considered. The community can bring valuable resources, local knowledge, and unique perspectives to the peace and security efforts. By expanding their participation, they can help address funding gaps, provide training and capacity-building support, and better align community needs with security initiatives.”
Cultural and social barriers, including language differences and diverse cultural backgrounds, further complicate communication and participation, as to him. The establishment of independent advisory groups and community safety patrols across all sub-cities has to be given due emphasis so as to enhance the effectiveness of community policing.
He added that these mechanisms should ensure inclusive representation and encourage meaningful participation from diverse community members. Community policing platforms, however, are often co-opted for state surveillance, which, according to him, restricts genuine empowerment and limiting crime prevention efforts.
In sum, community policing is a strategy aiming at building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ultimately contributing to safer and more peaceful living and working environments. It can also effectively address the root causes of crime and disorder, leading to reduced crime rates and increased community well-being by fostering partnerships and problem-solving approaches.
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 24 JUNE 2025
