The efficacy of intelligence-led policing in fighting robbery in the republic of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in fighting crime, particularly robbery. The study also looks at the impediments to the implementation of intelligence-led policing in fighting robbery. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a mixed method design on a sample of 60 police officers in Mutare policing district, who were selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through a mainly closed-ended questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings Findings revealed that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has embraced intelligence-led policing, with informer management, crime database management and physical surveillance as the main intelligence-led policing strategies. Findings also revealed that the intelligence-led policing strategy has largely been reactive rather than proactive. Notwithstanding some positives, such as intelligence-led arrests, the implementation of the initiative has been hampered by lack of resources, such as human resource, modern technology and motor vehicles. Originality/value This study interrogates the effectiveness of one of the widely used crime fighting strategies across the globe. While most of the previous studies focused on developed countries, this study focused on a developing country that, however, is one of the first countries to embrace the intelligence-led policing strategy on the African continent. The study also highlights the impediments to the effective implementation of intelligence-led policing, as well as offering prescriptive measures to deal with these challenges.