ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCING LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF SURVEILLANCE AND INTELLIGENCE GATHERING IN IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Abstract This paper focuses on the use of digital technology in improving the efficiency of law enforcers in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State in Nigeria. The research design of the study is descriptive survey research design where both quantitative and qualitative methods are combined to bring out a holistic analysis of the topic. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data of 286 participants consisting of law enforcement officers, members of the communities, and civil society participants. The results indicate that the degree of uptake of digital technologies including CCTV surveillance, biometric and digital communication tools are moderate with a high difference between security units. The statistical analysis shows that the use of digital technologies and crime detection improvements have a strong positive relationship, as well as response time and intelligence gathering. Nevertheless, the research also notes some of the major challenges, such as insufficient funds, inadequate infrastructure, the lack of technical capacity, and the issue of privacy of data. The authors find that the digital technology has vast potential to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, but its potential is limited by systemic and institutional constraints. It suggests more funding in digital infrastructures, human resource capacity building, enhanced community policing, and definition of clear rules. Generally, the research highlights the necessity of a balanced and integrated digital policing method that has integrated technological innovation with community involvement and ethical protection