Effectiveness of cluster policing on crime prevention in Botswana : Case of Kanye District

Abstract

This research assessed the Effectiveness of Cluster Policing on Crime Prevention in Botswana, focusing on Kanye District. The total target population for this research was 300, comprising 200 police officers (commanders and crime prevention coordinators), and 100 cluster members and their leaders. The research used qualitative methodology with sample size of 75 respondents and was guided by social disorganization, rational choice and routine activities theories. The findings show that majority of respondents agreed that the contribution of cluster policing on crime prevention was moderately effective and resulted from of target hardening, law enforcement and enhanced community safety and security. Respondents also agreed that the best practice, community commitment and quality of community partners were the effect of community partnerships on crime prevention which was also at moderate level of effectiveness and that problem-solving techniques on crime prevention was in high level of effectiveness. Based on the findings the research concludes that cluster policing contributes significantly to crime prevention and recommends that more training be considered in cluster policing especially in areas of community mobilization, partnership and problem-solving. This research will contribute to the body of knowledge on community policing in Botswana, especially cluster policing which is a new concept of fighting crime. It will also act as a source of reference material for the academic institutions.