Crime Situations and Reaction of Criminal Justice System in Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examined crimes situations and reaction of criminal justice system in Oromia, Ethiopia. It attempted to analyze incidence and types of crime, determine crime and criminal rate, appraise the efficiency and measures taken by criminal justice system, and provide possible explanations on crime situations using a selected theoretical framework. Socio-cultural theoretical frame work is used in explaining factors of crime. The study was conducted in Oromia National Regional State for a year 2011/12. Document or secondary data analysis of official crime statistics was used to gather information on the issues under investigation. In addition, key informant interviews were employed with police officers and record keepers. Primary and secondary data sources were collected using checklist and interview guides. Descriptive statistics was primarily used to analyze the aggregate data compiled from the police statistics. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative information. A total of 54,852 crimes were recorded in Oromia in 2011/12. Out of the total crimes committed in the region, the majority (70%) of crimes were reported from rural areas compared to urban centers.