Donna Hamilton, a criminologist has said that poor correctional facilities and constant police harassment are major causes of persistent criminality in the region.
Speaking to this Hivisasa writer, Hamilton said that little has been done by the central and county government to improve on state of correctional facilities which according to him are rearing hardcore criminals instead of producing reformed criminals as a result.
“I would expect to be guided if I am mentally ill and I would need mental healing to improve on my behaviour; if I am taken through torture and harassment, that would only make me more aggressive,” he said.
“Inmates should be handled in such a way that they feel that they are being corrected and not punished. This happens by rehabilitating them through guiding and counselling them and not through mistreatment and torture. That only leads to recidivism,” said Hamilton.
“Police-local relationship has to be built. This can only happen through interactive forums such as baraza’s, games and sports and not only when a crime has been committed or reported. They have to show that they can work with normal wananchi; they need not harass suspects as this only creates tension suspicion and mistrust between the two parties. The public should also be educated on the importance of working with the police,” he added.