The Role Of The Self-defence Units In A Changing Political Context
This paper analyses the future role of self-defence units (SDUs). It includes an overview of the historical background of informal "community policing" structures.
This paper analyses the future role of self-defence units (SDUs). It includes an overview of the historical background of informal "community policing" structures.
This paper examines the limitations of the Constitutional provisions and additional provisions contained in the draft Police Bill. It is argued that neither legislation provides adequate powers or framework for achieving "community policing."
The Policing Research Project previously welcomed the initiative of the Technical Committee to seek comment on the Police Bill. This paper provides some brief comments on various aspects of the Bill which CSVR felt were crucial to the broader transformation of the police institution into a more transparent and accountable service-orientated profession.
The aim of this research was to examine the state of Community Police Forums (CPFs) around Gauteng, how they were functioning and if they were experiencing any problems. Also, it attempts to ascertain whether those interviewed thought that CPFs have enduring value. The original idea for the paper stemmed from workshops which were conducted for women's organizations on issues such as getting representation on the local CPF and for the CPFs themselves on community policing and their powers and functions.
This paper describes the major challenges faced by the new government in realizing the Constitutional vision of one accountable and transparent South African Police Service. The issues selected reflect concern with the transformation of the police organization, as the central institution in the broader enterprise of policing. They could be regarded as priority items on the agenda of elected politicians and police leaders responsible for the reform process.
The haphazard transition negotiation process, which was frequently stalled or held to ransom by various key political players, was not systematic in generating new consensus-based alternatives for social regulation. The result had been a vacuum of legitimate authority within society, accompanied by growing lawlessness, which in turn accentuated the challenge to policing agencies to establish their credibility based on community trust and professionalism. This paper examines some of the limits and possibilities of the transformation of the SAPS in this context.