Introduction: Understanding policing in transition societies in Africa

Abstract

This book primarily focuses on the emerging centrality of policing in transition societies, that is, conflict-prone, war-torn, and post-conflict communities. Policing in fragile, failed, and collapsed states has emerged as a critical driver for national development, provision of public goods such as security, democratic consolidation and the maintenance of sustainable peace, but at the same time perpetuators of insecurity and underdevelopment in contemporary Africa. An important aspect of the emerging centrality of policing in the increasing interest in the concept and practice of Community Policing that is gathering momentum across the continent.