An Assessment Of Community Policing Discourse In Conflict Resolution Among Protesters In Unlawful Demonstrations In Tanzania: A Case Of Dodoma Municipality

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the Community Policing Discourse in Conflict Resolution among Protesters in Unlawful Demonstrations in Tanzania. It is a sort of case study carried out in Dodoma Municipality. It was guide by three specific objectives which are: to investigate how community policing language in conflict resolution helps to prevent crimes, to determine the extent to which language used by police reflects actual community policing in unlawful demonstrations; and to evaluate the effects of community policing discourse in conflict resolution among protesters. This study used the theory of communicative action. The study employed a sample size of 70 respondents whereby quota sampling was applied. The methods used in data collection were interviews, questionnaire, documentary review and focus group discussion. Eventually, data analysis was done both qualitatively and quantitatively, whereby SPSS Version 21 was employed. The findings revealed that language used by police in conversation during conflict resolution was harsh and commanding. Therefore, it did not help to prevent crime and enhance public safety as well as present the actual community policing. Likewise this study found that community (protesters) not satisfied with community policing discourse during conflict resolution in terms of appearance, conduct, concern and helpfulness. The study recommends that, the Police Force should provide continuous education, seminars and workshops to police officers on how to use language in conflict resolution. Also the government should give the public education concerning cooperation between community and police force starting from primary education level to the university level.