Night-guards: Exploring gain and losses

The study examined the perception of crime management's pattern adopted by nightguards and the relationship with the conventional police system. Routine activity theory provided a guide for the study. The study design was descriptive and qualitative, along with multistage sampling. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. A total of 150 copies of the questionnaire were valid for data analysis, while 19 respondents were interviewed. Hence, 76% of the respondents were impressive and satisied with the operation of nightguards in crime control. Though 10% of the respondents expressed some reservations against the services of Guards, there was a strong desire among 64% on the need for additional Guard personnel to combat crime challenges. There was a cordial relationship between the Police and nightguards. Nevertheless, a gap in terms of regular acquaintance with nightguards was the area of concern. While 79% identiied regular funding as a major challenge confronting the effective operation of Guards in crime control, arbitrary use of force by Night-guards resulting in human rights violation was the major concern of the resident community. The study held that the role of nightguards in crime control is complementary, especially when assessed in terms of community protection and safety. The government should give nightguards recognition through training and funding to buttress the crime control system.