NCJ Number
238681
Journal
Internal Security Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January - June 2011 Pages: 129-146
Date Published
2011
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines human rights and police service in South Africa.
Abstract
South Africa has undergone significant political change since the first democratic election in 1994. Like Eastern Europe after democratization, there has been an increase in crime following democracy. The initial government reaction was to deny that the problem was getting out of hand. Continued public pressure brought about a change in government's stance on crime. While the crime debate was going on a political battle within the ruling African National Congress was raging that led to the ousting of President Mbeki and the final outcome was victory for Dr. Jacob Zuma. The change in presidency also brought a tougher attitude against crime. The police department known as the Department of Safety and Security was changed to the Department of Police. Very tough statements were made by politicians such as referring to criminals as "bastards' and "shoot the bastards." This article argues that police officers of particular upbringing may misinterpret these statements and end up in abusing human rights. The article argues for a new theoretical theory called "Reciprocal Moral Dualism" which suggests that society prepares police officers for internalized control and respect for human rights or the opposite. The fact of the matter is that what society provides in moral fiber must be evidenced by good cop behavior and the police must not desocialize and resocialize the new recruits with conflicting morality. The paradox is obvious. If poorly socialized individuals join the police, the chances are high that they will spread their inapt behavior and corrupt others. (Published Abstract)