THE ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH CRIME: IN THE CASE OF ALEM KETEMA TOWN ADMINISTRATION, NORTH SHEWA ZONE, AMHARA REGION

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the role of local community participation in the prevention of youth crime in Alem Ketema town. The researcher was applied a descriptive survey research (qualitative and quantitative methods) design. In the study both primary and secondary data sources were used. A total of 410 samples were selected through both purposive and systematic sampling techniques from the total population of Alum ketema town in order to meet the objectives of the study, the data were collected using questioners, semi structured interview, observation and document analysis regarding to the above research objective. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis were used to analyze the study. As shown in the research, theft and robbery, vandalism, burglary, sexual incidents and murder are some of the offences committed by the young people in the study area. The study findings show that the involvement of the communities in the prevention of youth crime is good but it needs a serious attention due to the high rate of antisocial behavior in the study area. Based on the study findings, the researcher concluded that the roles of community in the prevention of youth crime is not more effective because of the following factors, such as lack of cooperation, absence of job opportunity for youths, lack of commitment etc. As indicated in the study, providing religious and cultural teaching for children, establishing youth justice system and bringing the offences before the court, working with the government through network are some of the possible mechanisms applied in the community to prevent youth crime .Finally, based on the result of the study ,the researcher was recommends the government must create job opportunity and avoid the opportunities of youth crime, the community, religious leaders, local elders, police officers, government, families and NGOS should work on the virtue of youths through commitment and cooperation.