State Policing in Crime Prevention and Control in Nigeria: An Advocacy for its Adoption and Implementation

Abstract

The topical issue of crime prevention and control has always gained attention from criminology
scholars especially when it comes to the role of the policing system in combating crime in the
society. This paper explores the viability, adoption and implementation of state policing in
Nigeria as a mechanism for enhancing crime prevention and control. The growing concern on
decentralizing policing system to effectively manage various security issues across the country
calls for the esteemed need of this research. The study employs a theoretical method approach,
with detailed examination and interpretation of existing knowledge and research. The study
adopted the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) to explain how decentralized policing strategies can
enhance guardianship, reduce criminal opportunities, and address local security needs more
effectively. This research acknowledged the significant role of state policing in crime prevention
and control, drawing global instances from United States (California and Texas), Canada
(Ontario and British Columbia), and Australia (New South Wales and Victoria). This paper also
identified the major constraints to state policing in Nigeria to include political resistance,
funding, capacity building, inter-agency coordination and community trust. The implications of
these findings underscore the pressing need to adopt and implement state policing in Nigeria.
This can be achieved through enhanced legislative reforms, allocation of sufficient financial
resources to the policing system, continuous training and professional development programs,
establishment of clear guidelines and communication channels, and adoption of community
policing strategies in crime prevention and control in Nigeria.