Assessing the Factors Contributing to Police Officers Turnover in Tanzania: Experience from Police Force Iringa Municipality

Abstract

The focus of this study was to assess the factors contributing to police officer turnover in Tanzania, particularly at the Iringa police force. The study's specific objectives were to examine the contribution of monetary incentives, working conditions, and career advancement opportunities on police officer turnover in Iringa Police Force. The study utilized a descriptive and cross-sectional, research design was applied at a 95% level of confidence. Both Open-ended types of questionnaires and closed-ended types were used, as well as an interview guide for the key informants to get primary data and secondary data that were obtained through documentation or documentary review. The study used both qualitative and quantitative where qualitative data were analyzed by using interpretations and explanations while quantitative data involved the use of software suggested for analysis called Statistical Package for Social Sciences and the findings were tabulated and figured for presentation. Based on the findings, the regression analysis output confirmed that there is a significant positive relationship between inadequate monetary incentives and police officer turnover as the p-value is 0.022. Furthermore, the regression analysis output confirmed that there is a significant positive relationship between poor working conditions and police officer turnover as the p-value is 0.025, which is less than 0.05, likewise inadequate career advancement opportunities were also significant with a p-value of 0.028. The study recommends the provision of fringe benefits and a review of salary is done from time to time as these were found to be the main problems which facilitate turnover intention, also management was asked to provide enough working tools and attractive offices to their officers, as the majority of officers complain on them. Furthermore, management should set enough budget for training and learning sessions and scholarships to be provided for officers who wish to go further studies. The researcher suggested that similar studies be carried out in other regions to determine the impact of these factors in influencing employee turnover especially those in military forces.