Abstract

This study local community’s perception toward police: The case of Muea neighborhood – Buea is intended to find out the relationship between the local community and the police policies and practices.

Quantitative data was used, to sum up, the responses from interviews. Here, responses were analyzed on frequency tables for a comprehensive view and also to see the trends to present data.

From the study, it can be concluded that Muea local community perceived police as a necessary force in the community as it could tackle problems disturbing the community.

It should also be noted that peace and security is not only a problem of the Muea community in particular and Cameroon in general but a global problem especially with the advent of the Boko Haram insurgence.

With modernization and technological development, Muea police station and National security as a whole are doing their best in combating these modern challenges of insecurity.

The Muea local community and Cameroon as a whole need to be sensitized to the policies of police through media. This awareness could lead to greater confidence in the police and would remove the negative perceptions they have about the police.

More awareness is also needed by the community on the basic principle of laws. This is because they do not know the basic rights and liberties of the people, they may be doing certain things which they do not know infringes on the rights of others as it is commonly said ‘’where the rights and liberties of one end that of the other states’’.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

This chapter examines the background of the study, statement of the problem, the objective of the study, research questions and significance of study, justification, determinations, and limitations of the study.

1.1.1 Historical Background

The word “police” means generally, the arrangements made in all civilized countries to ensure that the inhabitants keep the peace and obey the law.

Police force is a constituted body of persons empowered by the state to enforce the law, protect property and limit civil disorder.

Their powers include legitimized use of force. The term is most commonly associated with police services of the state that are authorized to exercise the power of the state within a defined legal or territorial area of responsibility.

Police forces are often defined as being separate from military or other organizations involved in the defense of the state against foreign aggressors, however Gendarmerie are military units charged with civil policing.

Law enforcement however constitutes only part of policing activity. Policing has included an array of activities in different situations but the most predominant ones are concerned with the preservation of order.

Perception of the police force is the way you notice things with your senses be it technical or formal. It is also an idea, the belief, or the image you have as a result of how you see them executing their duties.

Muea police station is one of three districts’ police force is the way you notice things with your senses be it technical or formal. It is also an idea, the belief or idea, or the image you have as the result of how you see them executing their duties.

Muea police station is one of the three districts police stations created under central police station Buea. It is found in Muea Community and this Community perceives the activities of the police in different ways.

1.1.2 Contextual Background

Studies considering the perception of the police have traditionally focused on very broad outcome measures like global views of the police. In an era of Community like global views of the police. In an era of Community policing, it is imperative to consider how the public perceives the police and police services using measures reflecting this alternative paradigm of policing.

This research suggests that perceptions of the police are formed within the context of respondents’ neighborhood cultures and contexts. This research examines factors predicting citizen perceptions of police services in a community.

Muea which is one of the villages in the Buea subdivision has two traditional rulers. The Chief of Upper Muea, Chief Molenge David Ikome and the Chief of Lower Muea, Chief  Peter Epie Musenja. Muea Community is made up of so many ethnic groups ranging from Bakweri, Ngwo, Menka, Bafwum, etc.

Muea police station is found in Muea Community and it is one of the three districts police stations created under central police station Buea. This police station is headed by an assistant superintendent of police, and is assisted by two assistants superintendents of police and the elements.

The police station has about fifteen (15) personnel. Police often interact with the individuals of this Community to carry out their duties or execute their policies, as a result of this the Community either perceives police positively or negatively.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The reason why I choose this research topic is to understand the different perceptions people have in mind concerning the Muea police station. Different people have different ways of perceiving the activities of police. But we will look at mostly the perception of the Muea local Community.

Again, I will like to understand how their culture and education have influenced their thoughts as far as police activities and attitudes are concerned.

How modernity has affected their thoughts concerning police duties. Also, to assess police policies and activities put in place to meet the security challenges of the community.

1.3 Research Objectives

1.3.1 Main Objectives

To find out the relationship between the local community and the police in Muea

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To understand police policies and practices in Muea.
2. To find out the perception of the local community towards the police in Muea.
3. To understand the extent to which these policies have contributed to reducing crime waves in the community.

1.4 Research Question

1.4.1 Main Question

What does Muea local community think about police activities and attitudes?

1.4.2 Specific Questions

1. What does Muea Community think about police policies and practices?
2. What are the perceptions of the Muea local community towards police in Muea?
3. How effective are these policies to the community and its environment?