Prospects of Community Policing in the MENA Region: The Case of Jordan

Abstract

This thesis examines the development and implementation of Community Policing (CP) within Jordan’s Public Security Directorate (PSD), contextualising its evolution within the country's socio-political framework. Originally developed in Western policing traditions, CP emphasises police-community partnerships, problem-solving strategies, and decentralisation. This study explores how these principles have been adapted in Jordan, a non-Western setting with distinct governance structures and social dynamics.

Employing a qualitative methodology, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and archival analysis to provide a comprehensive perspective on Community Policing in Jordan. It traces the historical trajectory of Jordanian policing from its colonial foundations to the present, emphasising the influences of structural, cultural, and leadership dynamics. The critical analysis examines the role of international support, particularly from the UK and UN, in fostering Community Policing initiatives within the Public Security Directorate and among Jordanian communities and refugee camps.

Key findings reveal that while Jordan’s CP efforts integrate traditional tribal reconciliation practices and localised approaches to problem-solving, challenges persist in terms of decentralisation, community engagement, and sustaining trust. Comparative insights from Northern Ireland underscore the importance of accountability and public participation in developing effective CP models.

This research contributes to global Community Policing discourse by proposing a Jordanian model that synthesises international principles with local traditions. It offers actionable recommendations for refining CP strategies in Jordan and provides broader implications for CP development in transitional and authoritarian regimes.

Date of Award	10 Sept 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Jason Hart (Supervisor) & Sarah Moore (Supervisor)