Assessment of Community Engagement in Crime Prevention in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed community engagement in crime prevention in Karu Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It examined the level of community participation in crime prevention and the challenges that hinder effective engagement. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population comprised 12,397 adult residents of three selected wards—Karu, Karshi I, and Karshi II—drawn from the Independent National Electoral Commission voters’ register. The Taro Yamane formula produced a minimum sample of approximately 388 respondents at a 5% margin of error; the study used 400 respondents. The study collected data using a structured questionnaire, and a pilot test yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.70. The study used the mean and standard deviation to answer the two research questions. The findings showed generally positive community engagement in crime prevention (M = 2.96, SD = 0.79). Respondents reported participating in neighbourhood watch activities, reporting crime, attending community security meetings, and sharing responsibility for local security. However, fear of retaliation, inadequate government support, poor coordination, low trust between residents and security agencies, insufficient training, and socioeconomic difficulties constrained engagement (M = 3.12, SD = 0.75). The study concludes that sustainable crime prevention in Karu LGA requires stronger community participation and more effective collaboration between residents and formal security institutions. It recommends sustained police–community dialogue, structured training and oversight for community security groups, accessible security-awareness programmes, improved coordination among local stakeholders, and targeted socioeconomic interventions.