Effect of Intelligence Gathering on Crime Control in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

The study objective was to determine the effect of intelligence gathering on crime control in Machakos. This research adopted a descriptive case study research designs. Target population was 230 individuals who comprised of individuals participating directly or indirectly in crime control. Krejcie and Morgan sampling method was applied in coming up with the sample size which was 197. This research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches of analyzing and interpreting data. Statistical findings show that, the use of intelligence gathering, was the most effective crime control practices, second in the category is information sharing, third in the category with community policing and the last effective measure indicated were dispute resolution. Gathering timely information can assist security agents in in Machakos County their efforts to know in advance security threats and develop an immediate proactive strategy. Police should be given the proper level of intelligent gathering training that to allow them to adapt to the new demands imposed by the increasing levels of sophisticated crimes in the society. Police must constantly review the development of their pro-activeness in mitigating the changing patterns of crime and the expectations of the public. The police should uphold Human rights and integrity while discharging their mandate so as to reverse weaning public confidence and hence create a rapport with the public and improve partnership rather than being adversarial.