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Cape Verdeans’ Perception of Crime, Corruption and Police Performance

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A recent survey conducted in Cape Verde has shed light on the public’s perception of crime, corruption, and police performance. The results highlight significant differences between urban and rural areas, as well as varying opinions among citizens, businesses, and police officers.

Urban vs Rural Perception

According to the survey, respondents from rural areas felt much safer than those from cities:

  • Only 16% of rural residents feared burglary in their area, compared to 25% in urban areas.
  • 5% of urban residents reported being asked to pay a bribe by a public official.

Police Performance

The police force received mixed reviews:

  • Ranking sixth in terms of perceived likelihood of accepting bribes among citizens.
  • However, 31.5% of police officers and 25.2% of public employees reported receiving bribery offers.

Corruption in Businesses

Businesses in Cape Verde also faced corruption:

  • 16% of businesses stated they were “obliged” to make unofficial payments or retributions to public officials.
  • The most common areas where this occurred included:
    • Obtaining a vehicle fitness certificate
    • Authorizations from municipalities and district councils
    • Advancing legal proceedings with the judiciary
    • Clearing goods with customs

Public Institutions Assessment

The survey also found that public institutions in Cape Verde were positively assessed by the private sector:

  • The majority of respondents considered them either fairly or very honest.
  • The only exceptions were customs and the municipal council, which received less than 50% positive responses.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that while there are concerns about corruption and crime in Cape Verde, there is also a sense of optimism among citizens and businesses regarding public institutions and police performance. To address these issues effectively, it will be crucial to focus on addressing “street-level” corruption and improving transparency and accountability within the government and law enforcement agencies.

Statistics:

  • 16% of rural residents feared burglary
  • 5% of urban residents reported being asked to pay a bribe by a public official
  • 31.5% of police officers received bribery offers
  • 25.2% of public employees received bribery offers
  • 16% of businesses were “obliged” to make unofficial payments or retributions to public officials

Source: [Insert source, e.g., National Statistics Institute, World Bank, etc.]