An Assessment on the Effectiveness of Crime Reduction Efforts Through Community Policing

This study assessed the effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime in Area 3,
Lilongwe. Community policing is widely recognized as a proactive policing approach that
emphasizes collaboration, trust-building, and shared responsibility between law enforcement
agencies and community members in addressing crime and disorder (Trojanowicz & Bucqueroux,
1990; Skogan, 2006). The study was guided by Broken Windows Theory, which posits that visible
order maintenance and early intervention in minor disorders can prevent more serious crime
(Wilson & Kelling, 1982), and Social Disorganization Theory, which emphasizes the role of social
cohesion, trust, and community engagement in crime prevention (Sampson & Groves, 1989). A
mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of community members
and qualitative interviews with police officers. The study examined three objectives: perceptions
of community policing effectiveness, strategies implemented to foster community policing, and
challenges hindering its strengthening. Findings indicate that the majority of community members
and police officers perceive community policing as effective in reducing crime, improving safety,
and enhancing police–community trust, consistent with previous studies that link communityoriented policing to improved public safety outcomes (Rosenbaum, 1994; Mutupha & Zhu, 2022).
Key strategies identified include Victim Support Units, awareness campaigns, community
meetings, joint patrols, and school outreach initiatives. However, challenges such as corruption,
limited resources, insufficient training, strained police–community relations, and resistance to
change were found to undermine the full potential of community policing, echoing concerns raised
in policing literature in developing country contexts (Kayira & Kayuni, 2024; Kumwenda et al.,
2024). Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening officer training, increasing
resource allocation, promoting sustained community participation, enhancing accountability
mechanisms, and fostering partnerships with local businesses and non-governmental
organizations. The study concludes that while community policing in Area 3 is a valuable tool for
crime reduction and community safety, addressing institutional and operational challenges is
critical for its effectiveness and long-term sustainability, and further research is recommended on
long-term impacts, digital policing tools, and rural–urban comparisons.