DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL STUDIES

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

IN CRIME PREVENTION; THE CASE OF SHEWA ROBIT TOWN
ADMINISTRATION IN OF NORTH SHEWA ZONE OF THE AMHARA
REGIONAL STATE.

BY;

DAWIT BERHE ZEGEYE

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIC AND ETHICAL STUDIES OF

DEBRE-BIRHAN UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR
THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN CIVIC AND ETHICAL
STUDIES

ADVISOR

TAMIRAT CHERU (PhD)

DBU

ETHIOPIA
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
IN CRIME PREVENTION; THE CASE OF SHEWA ROBIT TOWN
ADMINISTRATION IN OF NORTH SHEWA ZONE OF THE AMHARA
REGIONAL STATE.

BY

DAWIT BERHE ZEGEYE

APPROVED BY BOARD OF EXAMINERS

NAME SIGNATURE DATE

ADVISOR ______________ _____________

_______

INTERNAL EXAMINER _____________ _____________

_______
EXTERNAL EXAMINER _____________ ______________
________

CHAIR MAN ______________ _____________

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Table of Contents PAGES

 Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………i
 List of Tables and Maps…………………………………………....................ii
 Acronyms …………………………………………………............................iii
 Notes on terminologies …………………………………………....................iv
 Abstract ………………………………………………………………………v

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Back ground of the study..................................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the problem................................................................................................................2
1.3. Research Questions..........................................................................................................................3
1.34. Objectives of the Study................................................................................................................4
1.34.1. General Objective................................................................................................................4
1.34.2. Specific Objectives...............................................................................................................4
1.4 Research Questions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

1.5. Methodology of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1.6. Analysis of the Study……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1.5. Delimitation/ Scope/ of the Study...............................................................................................4

1.7. Limitations of the Study....................................................................................................................5
1.8. Operational Defnitions for key concepts and terminologies words..................................................5
1.9. Organization of the study.................................................................................................................5

Chapter Two: Litreature Review

2.1. Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks on Public Participation and Crime Prevention

2.1.1. The Concept of Public Particcipation

2.1.2. Forms and Dimensions of Participation in Decission Making

2.2. Defnition about Crime

2.1.1 Types and Forms of Crime

2.2.2 Major Crimes common in Urban Centers

2.3.3 Mechanisms of Crime Preventions

2 .4. The Role of Citizens in Crime Prevention

CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
1.2. Statement of the Problem
1.3. Objective of the Study
1.3.1. General objective
1.3.2. Specific objectives -
1.4. Research Questions
1.5. Significance of the Study
1.6. Research Methods & Techniques
1.7. The Scope of the Study (Delimitation)
1.8. Limitation of the Study
1.9. Organization of the Study
1.10. Operational Definitions of Key Concepts and Terms
CHAPTER TWO: LITREATURE REVIEW

2.1. CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS ON CONFLICT AND TRADITIONAL CONFLICT

MECHANISMS

2.1.1…………………………………..
2.2.2……………………………………….

2.2.3………………………………………..

2.3. Defnitions and Concepts on Peace Building………………………..

2.3.1……………………………………………………………………

2.3.2……………………………………………………………………..

CHAPTER THRER: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY…

3.1. Design of the study
3.2. Research Method
3.3. The study population
3.4. Sample Techniques
3.5. Sampling Size…
3.6. Source of data……
3.6.1. Primary Data Sources………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.6.2. Secondary Data Sources…………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.7. Methods of data collection

3.8.1. Questionnaire
3.8.2. Interview
3.8.3. Focus group discussion
3.7. Methods of Data Analysis
3.8. Ethical considerations

Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Presentation

4.1……..

4.2……..

4.3…….

Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1. Conclusiomns………………………….

5.2. Recommendations…………………..
References…………………………………………………………………………..

Appendices……………………………………………………………………..

Lists of Tables and Figures

Table 1……..
Table 2……..
Table 3………..
Figuire 1……..
Figuire 2…….
Figuire 3……

Lists of Maps
Map 1……..
Map 2……
Notes on Terminologies & Abbreviations
Example
ANRS……………….Amhara National Regional State

EPRDF…….Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front

Acknowledgment

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ABSTRACT

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1. Back ground of the study
In every where part of the world including Ethiopia, Ccommunity participation has an important
role for crime prevention. It is almost impossible to prevent crime only using formal institution.
Because in the absence of the community participating in crime prevention, those institutions
cannot play a significant role in crime prevention. Hence the involvement of others outside of the
formal institution like police is vital in preventing crime activities in every community.

As noted by Ren et’al, 2006, cited in the work of Manaliyo (2016), Ddifferent Lliterature
indicates that the involvement of civilians in maintaining peace and security in their areas has
been in practice since the communities are the first peace officers patrolling as volunteers. (Ren
et al. 2006) cited in Jean Claude Manaliyo(2016).- It is clear that without active community
participation in crime prevention, there is obviously no peace and no security in the community.
(Aref & Ma’rof 2009) .as cited in Ahmadreza Rezaei, (2013).

By its nature communities participating in crime prevention mechanisms are mandatory in order
to play a significant role to promote social unity, peace, harmony and cooperative among the
society.
Effective crime prevention programs require widespread community support and an informed
public whose perceptions about crime prevention. (Solicitor General Canada 1984). Police
performance in deterring criminal activities correlates with the level at which communities are
involved and participate in crime prevention activities. It is the only way that police could
become productive to prevent crime, if it collaborates with communities. It is important to
integrate the role of community in preventing crime in their areas with the security forces. Based
There is a common on the assumption that community members know their place better than
anyone else (Liebermann & Coulson, 2004)., However, Aan effective way to involve the

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community in crime prevention is if they have an awareness and understand what is going on in
their community, have knowledge of local events and establish relationships with neighbors and
concerned bodies. As participation among residents increase, the residents become active
defenders of their place against crime. When communities are actively participating in solving
their local crime problems, it is possible to prevent criminal activities and save their areas from
crime disasters. Broadly, though the role of public participation in crime prevention is imperative
for maintaining peace and security in particular urban and rural localities, the issue have not yet
given adequate space by researchers’, practitioners, officials as well as communities at the local
level. That is the reason why, the researcher has brought this crucial thematic agenda as a
research inquiry so as to investigate the role of Shewarobit town communities in preventing
crimes and their role in maintaining the peace and security of the study area

1.2. Statement of the problem

The prevalence of crime in society has many consequences. It undermines the social fabric by
eroding the sense of safety and security. Crime impacts on society in a variety of ways according
to the nature and extent of crime committed. It constitutes a problem when its incidence is so
widespread in the society as to constitute a threat to the security of persons and property, as well
as it brings social disorder and conflict.

According to Anthony Abayomi Adebayo (2013), “Crime threats to the economic, political and
social security of a nation and a major factor associated with underdevelopment; because it
discourages both local and foreign investments, reduces the quality of life, destroys human and
social capital, damages relationship between citizens and the states, thus undermining
democracy, rule of law and the ability of the country to promote development”.

The costs of crime are tangible and intangible, economic or social, direct or indirect, physical or
psychological, individual or community (Ibid). In fact, it is from the cost that the consequences
of crime are derived. The cost of crime can be exposed as a result of actual experience of
criminal activities, when there is physical injury, when properties are stolen, damaged or
destroyed. It could also be in the form of psychological and emotional pains as a result of shock
due to the crime done against the victim. (Iibid).

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Different scholars define crime differently. In this regard for instance, Lisham (2011) define
Crime as “an act of wrong doing by voluntary and intentionally”. It On the basis of this
definition, crime is very dangerous to the individual and the society. It involves the violation of
social law, moral law and country’s law with the objective to cause harm or injury to other. The
Oxford English Dictionary defines “it is an action which constitutes a serious offence against an
individual or the State and is punishable by law”. The Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
(2003) cited in Ahmadreza Rezaei (2013) also defined crime as an "... act or the commission of
an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that
makes the offender liable to punishment by that law; especially a gross violation of law”.

Dambazau (1994), also defined crime as “an act or omission against public interest, and which
is prescribed by law enacted by the legislature in the overall interests of the society, and to which
prescribed punishment is attached in the event of violation”. . For Mathews (1993), crimes are
the outcome of social changes, which is brought about by social developments and exposure.
Crime is a socially constructed phenomenon. Its meaning is profoundly influenced by
considerations of time and space. Its construction is based upon the interaction of four key
elements – victims, offenders, the state and the public. Criminologists infer that crime has two
major elements, - criminal act which is either a commission or an omission and mental element
which is called the criminal intent/committed. Both of the elements may pose serious threat to
the physical, mental health, life and property. Anthony Abayomi Adebayo (2013)

There are different factors affecting the effectiveness of crime prevention. Lack of co-operation
from the public and negative perception of the police.: The police cannot prevent crime alone. It
needs a collective responsibility and co-operation with the community. Community participation
is very important in assisting the police to achieve the desired effective crime prevention.
Despite Community participation is very important in assisting the police to achieve the desired
effective crime prevention, the vast majority of citizens do not believe in the saying that ‘police
is their friend. As a result of this, many people refrain from giving valuable information which
could have helped to checkmate crime to the police. (Ibid)

Though the role of public participation is imperative for crime prevention, adequate researches
were not conducted on such important theme particularly in Shewa robit town administration. In
my study area, I have tried to conduct a preliminary pilot study and I have asked some people

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whether they participate in crime prevention or not and some of themthey replied me no, because
they believe that the suspected are often not arrested, and some of those arrested are released on
bail without being prosecuted and many crime cases are undetected. In addition to this, many
crime victims withdraw their cases before they go on trial because they have lost faith in the
criminal justice system. The existence of such problems in my study area indicates that, the role
of public participation in crime prevention is not given worth value mainly because of lack of
awareness and other multifaceted factors. Therefore because of such reasons, the researcher
wanted to conduct an empirical research on the theme under
As- As mentioned above crime can result in both of life and property, displacement, unstable
life, separation of family numbers .Distress, .psychological, economical and social crisis that can
harm the life of most community members. Thus, the study tries to investigate the role of public
participation incrime prevention and the factors affecting the active participation of communities
in crime prevention taking Shewa robit town administration as a case study.

1.3. Research Questions

The study will take a deep effortattempts to address the following research questions.

[1.] What are the causes of crime in the study areaShewarobit town?
[2.] What types of crimes are occurred common in the study areaShewarobit town?
[3.] What is the contribution of the community in crime prevention in the study
areaShewarobit town?
[4.] How the role of community participation is effective in crime prevention in the study
areaShewarobit town?
[5.] What types of mechanisms used the community to prevent crime in the study
areaShewarobit town?
1.[6.] What challenges are facing the community while participating in crime prevention in
the study area?

1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.4.1. General Objective
The general objective of this the thesis proposal is to assess the role of the community
participation in crime prevention in the study areaShewarobit town.

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.4.2. Specific Objectives
 To identify the causes of crime in the study areaShewarobit town?
 To identify examine types of crimes found in the study areaShewarobit town?
 To identify investigate the contribution of the community in crime prevention in the
study areaShewarobit town?.
 To assess the effectiveness of community participation in crime prevention in the study
area?Shewarobit town.
 To identify investigate the challenges which are facing the community while participating
in crime prevention in the study area.?
 To investigate recommend and forward the some possible mechanisms that used are
helpful for the future betterment of effective utilization of the community participation to
in crime prevention crime in the study area.

1.5. Methodology of the Study

1.6. Analysis of Data
1.7.[1.5.] Delimitation of the Study

The study will be restricted to investigate the role of the community participation in crime
prevention in the study area. The study will cover only Shewa Robit Town Administration which
is found in North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State.,

1.7. Limitation of the Study

1.6. Significance of the Study

This The study will have the following principal significances.

 1. The studyIt will inform to the local government institutions especially

police office on how community mobilized and participated in crime
prevention in their area in a better way.

 The study will contributecan serve as as a reference to those who conduct related studies
on crime prevention.

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  This research result can be serving as a ladder for further academic research on the role
of community participation in crime prevention.
 Factors related to community participation in crime prevention will be known.

1.7. Limitations of the Study

Conducting research is not an easy activity. It needs great efforts to collect reliable information
needed for the purpose of the study. Shortage of time, work load, reluctant of the respondents
to give relevant and sufficient information, \absence of well established documents and
references materials related with the research topic may be the main problems that the researcher
will face during the research process.

1.8. Operational Defnitions on Key Concepts and words

Role : The part played by somebody in a given social context, with any characteristic or
expected pattern of behavior that it entails

Community: is a group of people living in the same geographical area or having a particular

attribute in common.

Community Participation: involvement of a significant number of persons in situations or

actions that enhance their well- being.

Crime: An act which violates the law of a state

Crime Prevention: techniques or strategies that are employed to prevent criminals from

reaching their target.

Challenge: Any difficulty especially one that hampers the smooth functioning of a society.

1.9. Organization of the study

This thesisThe study is proposal will be organized in to five chapters. The first chapter contains
the introduction part which consists of background of the study, statement of the problem,
objectives of the study, research questions, research methodology, Objective of the study,
delimitation of the study, limitation of the study, sSignificance of the study, limitation of the

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study and operational definition of key concepts and words and as well as organization of the
study.
The second chapter deals about with the related literature review section that enables provides
the readers to understand the theoretical and conceptual approaches about the role of community
participation in crime preventioon from different dimensions in a broad mannerdetail.
The third chapter covers the research methodology that include research design, sources of
data, samples and sampling techniques and sample size, data gathering tools and procedures and
ethical considerations.
., The fourth chapter deals about the presentation, discussion and analysis of datathe key
findings of the study, ethical considerations.
Another part of this study includes the fourth chapter that deals with analysis and discussion of
results and the final is chapter five concerned with executive summary, conclusion and
recommendations. Finally, in chapter five, summery, conclusions and recommendations are
forwarded.

Where is the references used for this chapter? Please be serious as far as sources and references
are concerned?

General Comments

It is a good effort but, the chapter lacks proper organization and structure.

So, improbve this chapter based on the comments, and then proceed to work chapter 2 & 3.

Next time you arre expected to submit chapter 2 & 3 together.

When you start chapter 2 & 3, please provide a brief introductory paragraph that shows the aim
of the chapter for your readers.

For body texts use 12 fonts with Times New Roman writing Stile, for sub-topics and topic use 14
font size, for chapter title use 16 font size, for each sentences between use 1.5 line spacing

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