A Sociological Examination of the Structural and Philosophical Aspects of Community Policing: The Case of Mizan-Aman Town, Bench-Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region

This study assessed the roles of community policing in crime prevention and control in Mizan-Aman town, Bench-Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, focusing on its structural and philosophical dimensions. A mixed-method research approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods, was used to gather data. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 383 randomly selected residents, and in-depth interviews were held with five purposively chosen respondents. The findings revealed that community policing in Mizan-Aman has been largely ineffective in preventing and controlling crime. While the initiative showed promise in its early stages, it has since struggled to meet its goals. The study identified key shortcomings, including inadequate law enforcement structures and a lack of necessary philosophical and structural support for effective community policing. Major challenges included low trust between the police and the community, insufficient training and manpower, and limited communication between law enforcement and residents. These issues have undermined the overall effectiveness of community policing in the town.