The study explored the capacity of community policing as an effective gender-responsive approach in the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. The problem informing the study is the continuing incidences of GBV even with the establishment of community policing structures in rural Nigeria. The study was guided by three specific objectives which identified community perceptions, stakeholder experiences, and institutional and socio-cultural barriers to gender-responsive policing. A qualitative research design was employed for the study, and data were obtained from the community leaders, women's groups, and police officers. Results from the study indicate that through community policing, there has been an increase in trust and awareness of the community; however, the practice has been little more than symbolic in the prevention of GBV due to the dominance of patriarchal norms, weak institutional capacity, limited gender training, and dependence on informal dispute resolution. In conclusion, the paper argues that community policing needs to be structurally gender-responsive, doing better than just being visible; to a point where policymakers should consider gender-sensitive training, institutional coordination, and enhanced government support for rural policing frameworks.