PSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF CRIME REPORTING AMONG RESIDENTS OF CROSS RIVER STATE CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Psychosocial, Determinants, Crime Reporting, Residents, Cross River StateAbstract
This study focused on psychosocial determinants of crime reporting among residents of Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. The objectives of the paper was to examine how stigmatization and trust in law enforcement agencies affect crime-reporting behaviour of residents. An ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 700 respondents was selected using Cochran’s sample size determination. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. Data were collected using a structured instrument. The instrument was validated using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84, indicating high internal consistency. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between stigmatization and crime reporting (r = -0.642, p < 0.05), indicating that increased stigmatization reduces residents’ willingness to report crimes. The study also found a significant positive relationship between trust in law enforcement agencies and crime reporting (r = 0.684, p < 0.05). Based on these findings, the study recommended sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with crime reporting and the strengthening of community policing initiatives through regular engagement between law enforcement agencies and community members. The study concluded that psychosocial factors play a critical role in shaping crime-reporting behaviour and should be considered in the formulation of policies aimed at improving public participation in crime prevention and criminal justice processes.
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