Police-Community Relations and Public Security Management in Ebonyi State

This study examines the state of police-community relations and its implications for public security management in Ebonyi State, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. The Nigerian Police Force has faced sustained criticism for human rights abuses, corruption, and community alienation, particularly following the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which exposed systemic failures in police governance. Using a survey design, data were collected from 270 community members, police officers, community development leaders, and security administrators in three local government areas. Data are analysed using frequency distribution and chi-square statistics. The Community Policing Theory, which emphasises collaborative, problem-solving relationships between police and citizens, provides the theoretical framework. Findings reveal widespread distrust of the police among community members, rooted in experiences of extortion at checkpoints, excessive use of force, and selective enforcement of laws along ethnic and class lines. However, communities that have adopted formal community policing forums and neighbourhood watch programmes report higher levels of security cooperation and faster response to crime reports. The study recommends the formalisation of community policing structures in Ebonyi State, mandatory anti-corruption training for officers, and the introduction of civilian oversight boards at divisional police levels. Keywords: police-community relations, public security, community policing, Ebonyi State, governance.