COMMUNITY - BASED POLICING AS A STRATEGY FOR REDUCING ARMED ROBBERY CASES IN URBAN AREAS

Abstract This research on community - based policing as a strategy for reducing armed robbery cases in urban areas, was conducted because armed robbery cases have been on the rise. So far, little attempt has been done to reduce armed robbery. This study was aimed at finding strategies that can be used for reducing armed robbery cases. The researcher utilized a qualitative research strategy during the course of this study. The target population from which the sample of participants was selected was 20 police officers in Harare. In this study it was established that most urban police stations are lacking a befitting community based model to reduce armed robbery cases. Police should undertake activities aimed at reducing crime in the country. The police organization should implement crime prevention strategies such as police patrols, community-based policing and criminal surveillance among others to reduce armed robberies.