INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON COMMUNITY POLICING PERCEPTION AMONG POLICE PERSONNEL IN OWO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study investigates the influence of emotional intelligence on police personnel’s perception of community policing in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. It assess emotional intelligence levels, evaluates perceptions of community policing, and explores the relationship between both variables. A descriptive survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 60 officers, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and Chi square tests. Findings show high emotional motivation and empathy among officers, but lower ability in emotion recognition and stress regulation. While officers generally had positive perceptions of community policing, actual community engagement was moderate. A significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and community policing perception. The study concludes that enhancing officers’ emotional intelligence can improve community relations and policing effectiveness. It recommends integrating emotional intelligence training into police development and recruitment process.