The framework design centers on calculated structuring of a strategic application of WEB 2.0 tools in providing a platform for coordinated mass action aimed at mobilizing and enabling wider participation in crime prevention for the purpose of illuminating the dark spots where crime have been finding covered shelters.
The design
is structured to adopt a holistic approach capable of catering for the
multi-factored influences of technological evolutions impacting all facets of
living in the contemporary society and their interrelationships with
established crime theories. Our assumption is that this is achievable through a tactical blending of
the fundamental principles of popular crime prevention approaches and
technological innovations in WEB 2.0. Also in the design, considerations are
given to the nontechnical components covering, competence development for
responsible persons, key participants' motivation, advocacy, public education
and community promotions sides of things.
Importantly, the influences of political willpower
by Government in taking decisive steps to prevent crime and create an enabling
environment are also considered. A calculated blend of these strategically drew
from the depth of Crime Prevention Through Social Development (CPSD) and Situational Crime Preventions (SCP) strategies to re-enforce the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) prevention
philosophies that the technical side of the concept is pivoting on.
Therefore, the advocacy element is focused on
both the Governing Authorities and the citizenry. Specifically, this addresses
the need for a well-directed re-orientation campaign meant to stimulate the
society’s interest in making action-backed commitment never to be nonchalant
about issues of crime. It will mobilize
the citizenry to take the responsibility for the fight against crime more
personal without having to wait till it directly affects them - Just as the issue of Terrorism (Boko Haram) became everyone's concerns only when it became widespread and bombs began to explode in all places rather than exclusively selected targets.
On the part
of the government, those in place of authority need to be made to see why they
must govern responsibly and, seriously demonstrate commitment to addressing crime in general and judicial corruption in particular with its resulting inefficiencies. More importantly,
measures to avoid creating a state of anomie
must be promoted as part of the solution. Government must be encouraged to
do all possible not to allow the sustenance of precarious socioeconomic
conditions for its citizens. Anomie
is used to describe a “society at loose ends or an absence of accepted social
standards or values.
The disparity between individual’s state of affairs and the larger
society’s advocated way of life is exemplified in anomie. This is based on the fact that humans
are normative beings and, as a result, their thoughts and actions are taken
on the foundation of commonly shared definitions and traditions. Therefore, a state of anomie will usually emerge when the social values’
capacity to control the ends and the means of the people’s behaviour is
undermined by the prevailing socio-economic conditions presented to the
populace by the leaders. This will naturally discourages the common people to persevere in making conscious efforts of abiding by the society’s proclaimed
legitimate means. Such a situation will normally lead people in some social categories,
to be more likely to adopt illegitimate and often illegal means to reach
culturally approved goals (Deflem, 2007: 144-146). Anomie, to an extent
explains the persistency of the Nigerian corruption, terrorism, financial and economic
crime menace. Therefore, technological
solution against crime without due consideration of these underlying principles
in its design, implementations and specific deliverables will not achieve its
purpose. The CPTSIA framework is build on this foundation.
