Dr J. O. Acha, Dr K. Chukwuemeka Obetta, Ubana Michael Ubana & Ogechi Nkemjika
Abstract
Community groups that can successfully cooperate with one another, handle problems, and work with their local law enforcement agency are exhibiting characteristics of sustainable and safe communities. The study was a descriptive survey. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The population comprised 829,060 community members. A sample size of 928 was used for the study. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using mean and t-test analysis. The results showed that community participation, collaboration between community police and law enforcement agency, and the formation of quasi-judicial security outfits in communities are community policing strategies for curbing kidnapping in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study found out that criminal activities could be reduced to a great extent because, community police could serve as informant, mediator and as a strong alliance to law enforcement agencies. The study also noted that the formation of quasi-judicial security outfits in communities can prevent and control kidnapping activities in communities. The paper recommends that for an effective community policing in the country, there is need to empower them with adequate training and operational facilities.