Is it the Crime or the Criminal?

Overview

Criminological research in crime prevention studies are becoming globalized even though the reach of laws may not yet be global. Many disciplines are concerned with the causes and control of illegal activity perpetrated by humans against fellow human beings or property. Therefore by studying trends and successes in other systems we might be able to come up with a program that can work for us. To effective address and prevent crime, there is need for an informed approach based on theories and ethical principals that uphold human beings and this makes research a priority within the police force.

Following an initial consultation with the PCIO Nyanza on the situation of crime within Kisumu and Nyanza generally, we are embarking on a study in Kisumu to establish the basis for a major research to Identify innovative and strategic approaches to preventing crime in Kismu and indeed Nyanza.

Normally, society governs itself by sets of norms that are totally unrelated to penal codes partly because the police are largely dealing with the results of crime and are not exposed to public response perhaps for lack of a response mechanism.

Our initial reaction is that will enhance the police efforts. Part of the exercise will involve finding out why and possibilities and opportunities that exist around establishing a reserch program.

Fred Omollo and Eddy Orinda are Psychology and Criminology students at Kenya Institute of Professional Counseling (KIPC) and Washington State University (WSU-ASWSU) respectively. Fred and Eddy are heavily involved with issues of understanding crime and human behavior which indeed inform part of studies in Crime and Criminal behavior respectively.

As part of studies we are proposing to support and help with research in preventing crime in Kisumu. The Kenya Institute of Professional Counseling has agreed in principle to play a supervisory role and act as the legal personality to this initial research.