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Abstract
This study investigates the complex dynamics of how digital technology (DT) affects crime prevention in the Ghana Police Service, examining the mediating roles of law enforcement capacity (LEC) and public trust in law enforcement (PTLE), as well as the moderating effect of regulatory frameworks (RF). Survey data from 380 officers were analysed with PLS-SEM. Results show that, DT alone does not reduce crime; That, its influence flows entirely through LEC. It was further realized that DT enhances capacity of the workers and improved or enhanced capacity in turn cuts crime. This produces a significant full mediation. It was further revealed that PTLE, though positively shaped by the DT usages, does not result in a meaningful mediation effect. RF on the other-hand, negatively moderate the DT to crime path. This points to the fact that recent rules impede technological gains. The study gives a strong signal to policymakers to prioritise training, infrastructure and adaptive regulation over mere gadget procurement. It further challenges theories that assume automatic trust-mediated benefits. Future work should trace these dynamics longitudinally and qualitatively unpack why regulation dampens tech impact.
Keywords. Digital technology; Crime prevention; Law enforcement; Public trust, Regulatory frameworks.
JEL. A11; M10, M03.
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