'Violators and Victims'--A Historical Review of Policing in South Africa After a Decade of Democracy

• NCJ Number: 221597
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 86-98
• Author(s): D. Singh
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: Downloaded February 14, 2008; To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon

Annotation

This paper examines the progress made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in dispelling its image of coercive brutality and oppression under apartheid rule to an image of protector and facilitator of rights under the democratic government.

Abstract

The police were central in enforcing the heinous laws of racial segregation and socioeconomic oppression under apartheid rule. Policing was done with no respect for the physical or psychological welfare of Blacks, as the police routinely beat, killed, and dehumanized them. It is not surprising that most South African communities have been reluctant to trust and cooperate with police under the new democracy. There have been many reforms in policing since the democratic government was established in 1994. Legislative reforms and government policies have targeted the dismantling of legacies from the apartheid era of brutal, corrupt, and militarized policing. Despite the adoption of progressive standards and policies, however, many South Africans, both Black and White, continue to view police as their enemy rather than their friend. Laudable community policing and community-policing forums have not been successful in South Africa, and many communities have taken their own actions against crime through the use of private security and citizen patrols that sometimes involve vigilante justice. It is clear that legislative reform alone is not sufficient to build public confidence in the good will and competency of the SAPS. Police must be trained to interact with citizens in a respectful and competent manner that builds trust and confidence. Further, funding and deployment strategies must ensure that the police have the capability of providing the services needed and desired by the public. 22 notes, a 9-item bibliography, a listing of 7 relevant South African statutes, and a listing of 16 relevant newspaper reports