Reducing Overcrowding in Prisons: Public Perceptions on Community Services: The Case of Ilala Municipality, Dar –Es-Salaam.

Materu, Nancy J. (2021) Reducing Overcrowding in Prisons: Public Perceptions on Community Services: The Case of Ilala Municipality, Dar –Es-Salaam. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explored the extent to which the community services established by the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs improved the welfare of prisoners in reducing overcrowding in prisons. Specifically, this study aimed to find out the understanding and perception of the public on community services and to explore prisoners ’community services outcomes for the welfare of prisoners. The methods of data collection applied in this study included in depth interviews, questionnaires and documentary reviews conducted from prisoners, magistrate and social welfare officers or probation officers. The public responses were based on two important indicators namely: Understanding the perception of community services and outcomes of community services. The findings revealed that, the majority of respondents had knowledge on community services. The findings have also shown that, more than half of respondents had negative answers towards the importance of community service to help offenders. With regard to perceived outcomes of the community services, the findings show that, the majority of respondents said the exercise was not effective. Based on the impact of community service to the community, state, prisoners and prisons, the findings revealed that, more benefits could be acquired if the exercise was well practiced. The findings further show that, the majority of respondents indicated that the community service in the country has not succeeded to reduce overcrowding in prisons. The findings of this study have shown that, there are few resources allocated for this exercise of community services, The study recommends that, the government and the Ministry of Home Affair in partnership with other partners should work together to make sure more resources are allocated for this exercise.

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