Somaliland
Photo by Abdulkadir Hirabe on Unsplash
ICT4COP in Somaliland
ICT4COP examined the challenges of introducing community-oriented policing in a context where clan relationships play an important role in community life and local security. The research explored how police-community relations are shaped by local institutions, social structures, and people's expectations of security and justice.
The project also investigated whether information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as mobile phones and digital communication, could help improve communication between police and communities. However, the research highlighted important limitations: the cost of sending messages, low literacy levels, and a preference for face-to-face communication made technology-based approaches less effective in some settings.
ICT4COP's findings emphasized that community-oriented policing cannot rely on technology alone. Building trust requires approaches that reflect local social relationships, communication preferences, and understandings of security.
Key points:
Conducted fieldwork in Hargeisa, including interviews and other qualitative research.
Built networks with local organizations and scholars, including Transparency Solutions and Safer world.
Studied police-community relations and the local political and social circumstances shaping policing.
Produced a policy brief on the application of technology in community-oriented policing in Hargeisa.
Investigated how ICT might support police-community communication and service provision in a context shaped by local traditions and institutions.
Shared preliminary findings through academic presentations and policy discussions.
Somaliland was particularly relevant to the project's technology research. The project investigated how ICT-based approaches could be adapted to local circumstances instead of simply transferring a model developed elsewhere.