COMMUNITY POLICING THROUGH 'HEALING THE BOOTS PROJECT'
In Nakuru County, local police have chosen a different pathway to work with communities.
With a double-edged strategy, Nakuru County Police through their indefatigable commander Ms. Beatrice Kiraguri, sought to alleviate stress levels experienced by officers on one side, while reaching out to the public on the other; all aimed at achieving the single objective of effective and efficient policing.
Soccer is thus considered a viable solution, which is an ongoing popular policing intervention through a project named ‘Healing the Boots’.
‘Healing the Boots’ is a creative innovation which has clustered the county police into grassroot mini-soccer leagues, playing on knockout basis upwards towards a grand finale of top two teams. The initiative has proved too popular within the larger community as both police and community teams participate.
Locals also turn out in large numbers as spectators and supporters, owning the initiative in totality. Before a game, there are talks on community issues and policing, including stress management, with other community support activities taking place. The end state of the initiative is reflected in more trust building between the police and the public.