Policiamento comunitário: participação comunitária na prevenção do crime: o caso dos bairros da Malhangalene B e Polana Caniço A e da 6.ª e 12.ª Esquadras da PRM- Cidade de Maputo

Abstract

The aim of this work was to demonstrate, from a theoretical and practical point of view, the practicality of the “Community Policing” model or strategy in Mozambican police institutions. For conducting the analysis, we started from two assumptions, which is the unfolding of the model itself, namely: a) proactive action by the Police; and b) Partnerships. In order to deepen it, we made a brief foray into the current functioning of the community police liaison sector and identified the bases and the model that serves as a guide in its activities. This is the Police-Community Relation model. Based on the results of this analysis, we not only formulated our starting question, but also the working hypothesis and tried to dimension the two assumptions previously mentioned in indicators and based on these, we developed the interview guide that we used in the field work. In fieldwork, we follow the methodology of qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews. The sample included 15 heads of blocks in the Malhangalene “B” and Polana Caniço “A” neighborhoods. While the 6th and 12th squads that were chosen because the Neighborhoods indicated are areas within their jurisdiction and a random selection of six police officers was carried out in each one. In the theoretical analysis we put two main approaches: The “Community Policing” as a Police action strategy and from the point of view of change management in the organization. We theoretically show the value and importance of “Community Policing” as a police action strategy in preventing and combating crime and the need to insert it within the framework of operational functions, not just as a simple work tool located at the level of a support structure (staff) but at the operational level. The strategic approach of the model under discussion, leads us to the side of management of changes in the organization as a way of effective integration of “Comminuty Policing” not only in the priorities of the institution, but above all, with a view to creating conditions so that once implemented, it can give desired results. Changes are also necessary for effective control of possible conflicts between operational forms of action (reactive and proactive) and their adjustment so that the two methods can be useful in preventing and combating crime. The “Community Policing” model was used only, those characteristics that best fit the context of the present study. In this way, it also allowed the delimitation of the investigation itself to a framework of concrete issues. This is how the Police's proactive action was analyzed in the dimension of: a) Identifying and solving problems, where the Police officer devotes part of his time to knowing, predicting, diagnosing the causes of frequent problems in the community and identifying solutions before they occur; b) Geographic responsibility, where the Police's concern is in approaching the service provided to its users; and c) Service to the community from the perspective of the image, in the sense that any action by the police carries with it the image of the institution to which it represents, hence the need for self-discipline in all the relationship that he (police) establishes with the citizen. While the Partnership was analyzed in the dimension of: a) Establishment of partnerships, where objectives and information, means and resources are shared to solve identified problems; b) Responsible collaboration in sharing information and responsibilities, but always respecting competences and institutional secrecy. The field results showed, among others, that whatever the starting point for the Police's proactive action and the establishment of partnerships, the police station and the police station assume themselves as a fundamental basis for carrying out all prevention and control activities. fighting crime. Therefore, these units must be enhanced to be closer to their users. We also observe the community's willingness to see the basis for social participation in preventing and combating crime extended to other public and private actors. There are several concrete actions that show the involvement of communities in the security tasks of their own Neighborhoods, as is the case of community members who voluntarily participate alongside the Police, in the patrolling actions of their Neighborhoods and the communities that contribute with their own. financial means to pay in the form of a salary for those volunteers. As recommendations, we emphasize, among others, the need to create its own and independent structure, within the operational framework of the General Police Command, which will address all socio-political aspects of “Community Policing” that allow successful implementation of this philosophy in the national territory.