Abstract
Community policing is widely recognized as a viable means to address increasing security challenges. However, security problems in Tanzania have increased even though the police force has formalized and implemented a community policing structure called Ulinzi Shirikishi (participatory security) during the past 20 years. In this paper, both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied to analyse the community perception of Ulinzi Shirikishi to determine its viability. Located in the concept of social capital, it reveals that even though the police and government have favoured the use of Ulinzi Shirikishi to organize security, it is not the most preferred security structure by local communities. Only approximately 20% of the respondents mentioned the presence of Ulinzi Shirikishi. The most prevalent community policing arrangements mentioned by community members are the council of elders, Nyumba Kumi and village councils. On the basis of the findings, it should be noted that the effectiveness of community policing is influenced by the sociopolitical and cultural values of local communities. The most pronounced community policing structures cited by community members are entrenched in the prevailing culture and practices of the particular community. The governance of Ulinzi Shirikishi should take into account the cultural, social and political practices of a community to become effective and sustainable. Thus, the success of community policing depends on the development of social capital, such as trust, which is rooted in existing community structures, networks and institutions. The practice of ulinzi shirikishi in Tanzania requires the development of social capital.
Recommended Citation
Killian, Bernadeta and Walwa, William John
(2026)
"Public Perception of Community Policing in Tanzania,"
Tanzania Journal of Sociology: Vol. 12:
Iss.
1, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65085/2591-6963.1163
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/tjso/vol12/iss1/10