Community Policing and Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Community policing has existed both before and post-colonial Nigeria Societies. It is basically what can be viewed as a new concept and old practice. Under practice communities protected themselves with structures and mechanisms for crime prevention and law enforcement. The old assumptions of community policing rested on philosophy that all able citizens in the community have duty of participating in the policing of the community. It has a great impact on all spheres of community endeavors including Economic development. The paper adopts Qualitative method of data collection (secondary data) by reviewing available literature, journals, Reports etc. Social Contract theory of State was used to guide the study as there is need for effective collaboration between Government and communities to ensure adequate security. The study discovered that a symbiotic relationship between the communities and the police is one that would ensure public safety and security for Economic Development The study recommended effective strategies of intelligence sharing and operations between police and community.