Role of modern technology in enhancing performance of Police officers in investigating crimes: case of Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Police have a responsibility of providing efficient and effective service that is operative in combating crime. A criminal investigator continually applies skills that are acquired by studying and experience, to examine and observe the criminal and his or her behavior. With implementation of Kenya constitution 2010, confidence was created in Kenyans that police will be more responsive and effective in fighting crime, but this expectation has not been met. These sentiments are backed by the fact that the media covers unresolved crimes almost on daily basis. The general objective of this study was to establish the role of modern technology in enhancing performance of police officers investigating crimes in Nyeri Central Police Division, Nyeri County. The objectives of the study included: To examine the use of modern technology by investigators, to establish the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) in relation to ICT among investigators and to establish legal procedures influencing use of modern technology. The study used Performance Theory to explain the use of modern technology. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and targeted a population of 120 serving police officers. The study used two sampling techniques: Simple random and purposive sampling techniques to sample 44 serving officers from the rank of Police Constable to senior superintendent of police. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interview guides. There were two types of data: Quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics e.g. percentages. They were presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed according to themes and patterns formed. They were presented in narrative and verbatim quotation marks. 68.2% of respondents strongly agreed that use of DNA analysis in investigation improve accuracy of results. 68. 1% percent of the respondents fully agreed that many police officers are not knowledgeable on matters ICT due to minimal allocation of time to train on the same in all courses offered at the police training institutions. 41 percent of the respondents also felt that some of the prevailing legal procedures fully affect the performance of investigators. For instance, the fear of being sued when a case flops, may affect the judgment of an investigator. The study therefore recommended prioritization of equipping of the forensic laboratory and devolvement of the same services to counties, courses offered in police training institutions to have a greater content on ICT and thorough training on legal processes and procedures that apply in investigations. The study recommends that further research should be done in predictive policing on crime prevention that involves technology and technological applications on reduction of sexual harassment in police institutions.