Impact of Hunters and Forests Security Groups on Crime Reduction and Control in Kaltungo/Shongom Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

The study carefully examines the impact of hunter and forest security groups on crime reduction and control in the Kaltungo/Shongom Local Government Area, Gombe State. The study employed the survey research design. Data were collected through the used interview and questionnaires. Theoretical framework for the study was the broken window theory developed by Philip Zimbardo (1969). The study found that the main strategies used by hunters and forest security groups to reduce crime includes foot patrol, collaboration and community meetings, and public education programs. This shows that, forest security groups and hunters have much impact on reducing crimes. Their challenges include lack of training, poor implementation strategies, information gap and lack of involvement leads to unrealistic community expectations and present a challenge to the police force and the communities at large. In conclusion, the study reveals the important roles played by the hunters and forest security groups in ensuring crime free environment, the study also reveals some challenges that the group faces when administering the functions and duties. The study recommended that the communities members should be assisting the group in one way or the other and also help in providing the necessary facilities that the group need for a better function should be given to them. The communities must participate in planning and choosing approaches as well as becoming equal owners of the process. Both the Police Force, communities and the hunters and forest security need to have clearly defined roles and be given the skills and resources to carry it out.