Beyond Law Enforcement: The Potential Role of Problem-Oriented Policing and Shallow Problem-Solving in Saving Uganda’s Wildlife

• In Event: The Study and Prevention of Wildlife Crime in Uganda

Abstract

Traditional forms of law enforcement are not sufficient in responding to wildlife crime, including poaching. Although, advanced technologies are being developed and implemented to combat poaching throughout the world, such approaches are limited in their capacity to understand and respond to problems which create a context conducive to wildlife crime. The study presented here is based on findings from 24 semi-structured interviews with law enforcement rangers and supervisors, and over 70 hours of participant observations of routine day foot patrols in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. The findings suggest that although respondents recognized the importance of law enforcement in combating wildlife crime, respondents believed that a more comprehensive approach is required in order to address the underlying problems which can lead to such crimes. Based on these responses, it is recommended that problem-oriented policing or a shallow form of ‘problem-solving’ be developed to supplement current law enforcement approaches and strategies.

Author

• William Moreto, University of Central Florida