EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ABUSE ON CRIME RATES IN NAIROBI COUNTY: A CASE OF NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE

Abstract

The primary objective of this research study was to examine the impact of drugs and substance abuse on crime rates in Nairobi County. Specific goals are: To determine the impact of drugs and substance abuse on crime rates against individuals in Nairobi County. A study of the impact of drugs and substance abuse on property crime rates in Nairobi County. Assessing the impact of drugs and substance abuse on Nairobi County's violent crime rate. This study used broken windows theory and Dustin K MacDonald Six Stage Model of Crisis Intervention as theoretical foundations to support the study. This study adopted descriptive research design. This was because it enabled the study to analyse data in both qualitative and quantitative forms. This study target population was 18 security agents in Changombe Slum and 15 community policing elders in Changombe Slum. This study used questionnaires and interview guides to gather data. Pilot testing was undertaken with sample of three questionnaires and three interview guides which were then be distributed to the participants. The collected data was scrutinized, coded, classified and systematically keyed in SPSS version 21.0 software for generation of data table and charts. The tables and charts were analysed using descriptive statistics incorporating qualitative and quantitative approach. As ethical consideration, all work of authors used was acknowledged. Based on the results, the study established that drugs and substances abuse by youths had increased cases of crimes against a person, property and public order in Changombe Slum. For instance, for crimes against a person, drugs and substances abuse contributed to abductions, violence and physical assault and torture and murder. For crimes against property, drugs and substances abuse contributed to cases of theft of properties, vandalism of properties and misuse of public properties in Changombe Slum. For crimes against public order, drugs and substances abuse contributed to cases of breakage of law, abuse of people by youths and disruption of social meetings by youths in Changombe Slum. The findings above corroborated with community policing elders’ responses that emphasized use of drugs and substance abuse by youths had contributed to crimes such as abduction, murder, burglary, robbery with violence, and public disorder in Changombe Slum. Based on the findings above, this study recommends that National Police Service increase number of police officers that protect residents of Changombe Slum. This study also recommends that National Police Service increase number of police officers that protect properties in Changombe Slum. Further, this study recommends that National Police Service increase number of police officers that maintain law and order in in Changombe Slum. Lastly, this study recommends that National Police Service sensitize the public the adverse effects of drugs and substance abuse as well improve its engagement with community policing representatives in Changombe Slum. This study suggests future studies should focus on how effectively the public can be educated against misuse of drugs and substances especially the youths.