Community-Police Relations and Informant Identity Protection: Evidence from Some Selected Communities in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana

Abstract

For effective crime control, the roles of informants are critical. The police and community members' relation is needed for the police continuous reliance on informants' information on crime. This has been the principle for fighting crime in many parts of the developed countries in the World. The study sought to examine the relations between community and police in providing protection for informants in crime investigation within communities (Tepa and Hwediem) in Brong-Ahafo Region, placing much emphasis on the relationship between community members and police in providing information for combating crime, the effectiveness of informants' information in fighting crime and measures that could improve the relationship between community members and police in protecting informants. Social survey design was adopted. Cluster sampling and simple random were used to select 400 respondents (community members and police). Quantitative approach was adopted. The study found that informants were relatively fewer in the community. The study found that respondents who reported criminal cases to the police indicated that their act was very important in fighting crime. It was concluded that a good relationship between community members and police was needed to protect informants. The results showed that majority of the respondents strongly agreed informants' identities should not be revealed to suspects. The researchers recommended that since effective communication is fundamental to positive police-community relationships, the Government and Ghana Police Service (GPS) should seek to provide its officers with an understanding of language diversity. The researchers then again recommended that officers of the GPS should be provided with an in-service training by the Government and GPS to improve community policing and trust building.

Delineating the relationship between maritime insecurity and COVID-19 pandemic on West African maritime trade

“…This has seen the implementation of various efforts from local authorities and international partners. According to Azumah et al ( 2019 ), the roles of informants are critical for effective crime control. In other words, deriving information at any time is critical when dealing with a rise in crime.…”

“…Therefore, a newer approach should breed some progress. While the fighting of crime generally, as explained by Azumah et al ( 2019 ), cannot be achieved without communication and collaboratory efforts, the maritime domain of west and central Africa continues to receive such support, albeit disjointed. The situation indeed calls for a newer approach like the community policing model (Ghana Police Service, GPS 2017 ).…”

“…Therefore, the police can implement crime prevention measures through this two-sided exchange with the community’s assistance (GPS 2017 ). Azumah et al ( 2019 ) buttressed these concerns. They alluded in their study that informants were relatively fewer where local communities are of concern.…”

“…These informants also believed reporting crimes to the police was critical to fighting crime. They recognise the dangers their lives may be exposed to as they act in such roles to make their native societies safe (Azumah et al 2019 ).…”

“…These informants also believed reporting crimes to the police was critical to fighting crime. They recognise the dangers their lives may be exposed to as they act in such roles to make their native societies safe (Azumah et al 2019). Azumah et al (2019) concluded that the protection of informants heavily relies on a good relationship between community members and police.…”