Rational Choice Theory and the Quest for Alternative Policing Systems: A Case Study of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Paper Presented at the 19" South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference, Held at the University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 14-17th May, 2019

Abstract

The Rational Choice Theory (RCT) emerged from the observed failure of ‘rehabilitative technologies’ and the increase in the officially recorded crime rates during the 1970's and 1980's. This encouraged the re-introduction of the criminal decision making process and thus the movement from the classical to positivist research in the analysis of criminal behaviour. The RCT assumes that all humans are rational, calculating (on a cost-benefit analysis) and with good knowledge of pain and pleasure. The former is based on the swiftness, severity and certainty of law enforcement apparatus while the latter is based on need, greed and or sexual appeasement, a combination of personal and situational factors that determine if crime will be committed or not. Extant literature shows that “before choosing to commit a crime, the reasoning criminal evaluates the risk of apprehension, the seriousness of the
expected punishment, the value of the criminal enterprise, and his or her immediate need for criminal gain” (Siegel, 1992, 2005). While the action of the criminal may be individualistic, the consequence of his/her actions is social and could be inimical to the existence and nurturing of the social fabric. This is the rationale for the existence of law enforcement apparatus whose duty is to evolve how to reduce such activities or prevent them altogether. Unfortunately, the currently evolved strategies to achieve these such as target hardening (deadbolts, self-defence etc) and legal deterrents (police, mandatory sentencing and death penalties) do not seem to have the desired effects as criminal behaviours continue to increase in types and intensity. This paper examines alternate ways of policing Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria through private security guards, armed guards, neighbourhood vigilante, neighbourhood volunteers, armed militia (area boys) and local watchnight. A combination of questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion methods were employed to elicit information from relevant stakeholders in addition to a penetrating analysis of secondary information. 1200 households were sampled from high, medium and low residential areas, six (6) Key Informant interviews were held while a FGD consisting of 12 people was conducted. Research results showed a loss of faith in the conventional crime fighting strategies and the willingness to involve non-state actors in crime prevention and possible eradication of crime in Uyo. The paper recommended strategies to enhance the use and application of non-conventional methods in crime fighting in the study area.