Examining the Versatility and Misuse of Information Communication Technology in Community Policing in Malawi
Authors: Kumwenda David 
Published: February 2025

Technology has modernized citizens’ social networks and interaction gaining active engagement to security management. Internet evolution popularity have revolutionized public policing through technology creating superhuman over security challenges. Paper aims to examine the versatility and misuse of technology in community policing in Malawi. This is qualitative study that purposely selected five published papers from a research “Community policing, citizen’s participation, and information communication technology in Muloza, Malawi.” Systematic review of published papers through content analysis will identify and consolidate work to date and guide future research on the topic. Data analysis followed transcription, coding, codes grouped into sub themes, sub themes into themes answering research questions. Respondents answered to (a) what are versatilities of information communication technology in security? (b) What are misuses of information communications technology in security? Through frame theory of communication, social disorganization and participatory democracy theories results indicate (1) technologies store, replicate, disseminate data for depositing evidence (2) Empower citizens to (a) communicate, share information between citizens and police, (b) be aware of rights violations, safety needs, (c) allow people’s involvement in rights violations, (d) facilitate citizen’s involvement in crime prevention, (e) maintain community dialogue and engagement, (f) help citizens look for faster emergency response times (g) promote evidence sharing with authorities. (3) Revolutionize communications allowing use SMS, WhatsApp, Telephone calls, pictures, videos, VNs, promoting wide, formal and non-formal channels improving accountability and transparency according real-time updates, responses, capacity. (4) Enhance citizens’ engagement to (i) reporting, requesting transport to police, (ii) organizing patrols (iii) mobilizing help during neighborhoods activities. (5) Encourage citizens to participate virtually allowing citizens (i) improve communications between police and community, (ii) identify a wider variety of insecurities (Transparency), (iii) promote the effective use of limited resources, (iv) move beyond the customary bureaucratic procedures, (v) improve participation of women, minorities, and vulnerable population, (vi) contribute to empowerment of the community. Technology misuse in security were; (a) some officials could inform suspects about intended ambushes (b) some citizens could fabricate false information to deceive others (d) some citizens used social media to deal with marginalized groups (e) some officials and citizens could disseminate and replicate confidential organization official client information. Other studies have concluded technology may help reduce corruption through wide formal and non-formal interactions. Currently, technology empower, revolutionize, transform citizens to get involved to fight corruption. Recommends more civic education to masses on need to adopt use of digital platform of community policing.