Media Audience Awareness, Attitude and Use of Security Numbers in Exposing Crimes in Enugu State, Nigeria

Ugwu, Izuchukwu Z. and Ekwueme, A. C. and Nzekwe, George Nnamdi Media Audience Awareness, Attitude and Use of Security Numbers in Exposing Crimes in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Media, Security & Development (IJMSD), 4 (1). pp. 80-87.

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Abstract

This work set out to uncover the media audience awareness, attitudes and use of the frequently advertised security numbers for exposing crimes in Enugu state. The research was guided by two theories: technology determinism theory and partnership theory of crime prevention. The study employed survey method with 405 sample size, using cluster sampling technique to draw the sample. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The study found that: Over 71% of the total respondents are aware of these security numbers for exposing crimes in the state but ironically, 86.4% of these respondents don’t have these numbers saved in their phones and have never reported any crime to the police. Also, findings show that older respondents with higher socio-economic status report crimes more than younger respondents, low income earners, and rural dwellers who mostly relied on the services of the community’s vigilante groups. Radio, TV, and friends rank high in the respondent’s key sources of information about these security numbers. The research further show that the key factors that determine the respondent’s attitude to crime reporting include: fear of retaliation; lack of faith in police force; concern about one’s identity, etc. From these findings, the researchers recommend that the security force should strive and rebuild its public image in order to restore public faith in the agency which will enhance crime reporting. Also, the media as the molders of public opinion should continue to educate the general public on the need to report crimes to the police with these numbers. Finally, these security numbers should be displayed in billboards at strategic public positions where members of the public can easily see and save them in their mobile phones.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User: mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited: 02 May 2019 07:41
Last Modified: 02 May 2019 07:41
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/1407

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