POLICE-COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION: A CASE STUDY OF AJEROMI LGA, LAGOS STATE

ABSTRACT This study examined police-community collaboration and its role in crime prevention within Aiyetoro and Awodi, two communities in Ajeromi Local Government Area of Lagos State. The research was guided by the objectives of assessing the nature of police-community relations, evaluating the effectiveness of joint efforts in curbing crime, identifying the challenges hindering collaboration, and exploring the roles of legal practitioners and civil society organizations in enhancing community safety. A qualitative research design was adopted, with in-depth interviews conducted among 15 purposively selected respondents, including police officers, community leaders, legal practitioners, and residents. Findings revealed that police-community collaboration exists but remains irregular, reactive, and hampered by challenges such as low trust, poor resources, corruption, and weak institutional frameworks. However, examples of joint patrols, community vigilante initiatives, and religious leaders’ involvement highlighted the potential of effective partnerships in reducing crime and improving public safety. The study also found that legal practitioners and civil society organizations play critical roles in advocacy, rights protection, and monitoring security operations, while traditional and religious leaders serve as mediators trusted by the community.The research concludes that police-community collaboration is essential but requires strengthening through structured engagement mechanisms, transparency, capacity building, and provision of adequate resources. It recommends that trust-building forums, police training in community relations, integration of traditional institutions, and regular monitoring of joint initiatives be prioritized to enhance crime prevention outcomes in Ajeromi LGA.