HMPOL80
APPLIED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLICE SCIENCE
SEMESTER: 01
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 03
PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE - 2023
SHERISE NUNDHKUMAR
STUDENT NUMBER: 62761552
DUE DATE: 05 JUNE 2023
Table of Contents
Topic: An investigation on police brutality in South Africa........................................... 2
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 2
2. Definitions ........................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Police brutality .............................................................................................. 2
2.2 Qualitative research ..................................................................................... 3
3 Research approach for the study ..................................................................... 3
4 Research design .............................................................................................. 3
4.1 Ethnographic design: ................................................................................... 4
4.2 Grounded theory design: .............................................................................. 4
4.3 Narrative design: .......................................................................................... 4
4.4 Phenomenological design: ........................................................................... 5
5 The aim of the study ........................................................................................ 5
6 Research question of the study ....................................................................... 5
7 Objectives of the study .................................................................................... 5
8 Research population and sample techniques .................................................. 6
8.1 Convenience Sampling ................................................................................ 6
8.2 Purposive Sampling ..................................................................................... 7
8.3 Snowball Sampling ....................................................................................... 7
8.4 Theoretical Sampling ................................................................................... 7
9 Data collection techniques ............................................................................... 8
9.1 Document and Secondary Analysis ............................................................. 8
9.2 Interviews ..................................................................................................... 8
9.3 Observations ................................................................................................ 9
10 Ethical consideration ........................................................................................ 9
10.1 Confidentiality and anonymity: ..................................................................... 9
10.2 Data management and storage: ................................................................. 10
10.3 Debriefing: .................................................................................................. 10
10.4 Informed consent: ...................................................................................... 10
10.5 Minimization of harm: ................................................................................. 10
10.6 Respect for cultural and social norms: ....................................................... 10
11 Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 10
12 References ..................................................................................................... 11
13 Declaration ..................................................................................................... 13
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Topic: An investigation on police brutality in South Africa
1. Introduction
The issue of police using excessive force has persisted for a long time in South
Africa. When law enforcement officials use excessive force in relation to the threat
posed, this violates human rights and democracy and justice. It disproportionately
affects disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, perpetuating violence and instability.
In 2019–2020, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) discovered a
total of 423 documented deaths that occurred either while someone was in police
custody or as a direct result of police action. (Deaths Caused by Police Action Jump
to 410 in Year, 223 More Died in Custody, [Sa]). During arrests and interrogations,
there have been multiple reports of police officers engaging in abusive practices
such as torture, intimidation, and harassment. Even when lawful, police actions were
often unjustified.
Police brutality in South Africa has far-reaching effects on the social and political
stability of the country, as well as on the human rights of individuals. It is imperative
that the government and law enforcement agencies take immediate action to
address this issue by instituting reforms, providing adequate training for police
personnel, and ensuring that those who commit violent acts are held accountable for
their actions. This research will discuss the causes, effects, and potential solutions to
South Africa's ongoing problem with police brutality. Additionally, it will evaluate
alternative solutions to the problem.
2. Definitions
2.1 Police brutality
"Police brutality" is when police employ excessive force on civilians. Physical attack,
verbal abuse, intimidation, or fatal force may end in harm or death. (Police Brutality
in South Africa, 2011). Police often use brutality against detainees, suspects, and
others. Such police actions may violate human rights and instill widespread
suspicion and terror. It disproportionately affects vulnerable communities,
perpetuating the cycle of violence and instability. Police must follow the law and
respect the rights of everybody to protect the public and themselves. In a fair and
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democratic society, police using excessive force violates these rights. (Police
Brutality in South Africa, 2011).
2.2 Qualitative research
A qualitative study is conveyed verbally. It is used to comprehend notions, ideas, or
events. This form of study allows you to gain in-depth knowledge about subjects that
are not well known. Interviews with open-ended inquiries, findings expressed in
words, and book studies that investigate ideas and theories are common qualitative
techniques. Thus, according to Crestwell (2013), with a qualitative study method,
truth is relative, suggesting that there is more than one reality. The qualitative
research method also emphasizes the use of tiny sample numbers, which are
typically determined by data saturation rather than statistical computations. Yin
(2016) states that the primary goal of qualitative research is to obtain in-depth views
on the topic under study. Lastly, the qualitative strategy emphasizes the use of
methodologies such as theme and content analysis in analysing study data.
3 Research approach for the study
Qualitative Research is a good way to look at police brutality in South Africa because
it gives a full, detailed, and relevant understanding of police brutality in South Africa.
They let the researcher learn about the different situations and points of view of
police misconduct victims, bystanders, and perpetrators of police misconduct. It also
lets participants take an active role, which gives them more power and makes them
feel like they own the study process. It's possible that the way the study was done
makes it harder to believe the results or that the idea is true.
4 Research design
The goal of a research design is to lay out the steps needed to carry out a study. The
only way to get accurate and focused results from this investigation is to use
qualitative methods. In a qualitative study, people talked about what they knew, what
they thought, and how they talked, which is a good thing. The goal of a qualitative
study is to find patterns in how people act. Overall, choosing a qualitative research
design would depend on the unique research questions and goals of the study, as
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well as the number of subjects and resources that are available. (“5 Qualitative
Research Designs and Research Methods” 2021).
Qualitative studies uses language to explain ideas, feelings, and experiences,
according to Flick (2015). Purposeful, snowball, theoretical, deviant, and sequential
sampling will accomplish this purpose and will be explained in detail later on. It
exposes South Africa's harsh police apparatus. Kumar (2019) suggests in-depth
interviews, observation, document analysis, and secondary analysis for qualitative
research. It collects and edits data to guarantee correctness. I will study police
brutality victims and perpetrators for this strategy. I will learn about the brutality, its
context, and its social and cultural causes using the above data collection
approaches. The goals of a qualitative study are to minimise prejudice while
increasing breadth (Silverman, 2016). Below are a few different research designs
that could be used to investigate police brutality in South Africa:
4.1 Ethnographic design: Ethnographic design entails studying a group's culture,
habits, and practices in their natural environment. It seeks collective values.
Fieldwork is lengthy. Interviewing culture members offers qualitative data. The
information is then told from their perspective. Goulding (2005). For example:
someone would have to reside in the neighbourhood where police brutality has
been cited and spend a lot of time writing notes and talking to individuals. I would
immediately include the cultural, socioeconomic, and political reasons that cause
police brutality in that community and how the community views and addresses it.
4.2 Grounded theory design: The goal of grounded theory design is to come up with
a theory about a problem in society. This theory tries to explain how people deal
with problems in social settings, not just name them. (Goulding, 2005). For
example: With this approach, it will give me an understanding into the
causes or factors that influence police brutality. I would talk to people and
observe them to find common themes and patterns in their experiences and
points of view. I would then use these results to come up with a theory of police
brutality in South Africa.
4.3 Narrative design: Narrative design is the process of making a story and figuring
out how it will be told in a game, movie, or other digital medium. It includes
putting together characters, plots, conversations, and other parts of a story in a
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way that makes sense and keeps the audience interested. (Goulding, 2005). For
example: this design would focus on gathering stories and personal reports of
police brutality in South Africa and analysing them. I would talk to victims and
witnesses and use their stories to write a story about police brutality in the
country. This story would focus on the experiences and points of view of those
who have been affected by this problem.
4.4 Phenomenological design: Phenomenology is a broad area of study. In this study
model, the researcher wants to find out how people see an event and how they
feel about it. This theory recognises that there is no exact truth and that everyone
has their own point of view. (Goulding, 2005). For example: this plan would focus
on learning about how people who have been affected by police brutality have
lived their lives. I would have in-depth interviews with victims and their families to
find out what they thought and felt about what happened and how it affected their
lives in the long run as well as police officers with regards to their mental health.
5 The aim of the study
The aim of this research is to examine the various factors that contribute to police
brutality, assess the impact of police brutality on victims and communities, and
evaluate the efficacy and suitability of existing policies and procedures designed to
prevent this issue.
6 Research question of the study
What are the attitudes of South African citizens towards police brutality, and how do
these attitudes vary across different demographic groups and regions?
7 Objectives of the study
The ultimate goal of police brutality research in South Africa is to promote greater
accountability and transparency in policing and to hold police personnel to a higher
standard of conduct when interacting with the public. I hope to attain the following
objectives with my investigation into police brutality in South Africa:
1. To examine the reasons of police brutality in South Africa, including poor
training, supervision, and accountability, institutional racism, and the social,
economic, and political environment in which policing happens.
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2. Determine the causes of police misbehaviour, including structural and
systemic variables like poverty, inequality, and discrimination and individual
and situational elements like police training, supervision, and accountability.
3. Determine the prevalence, kinds, victims, and situations of police brutality in
South Africa.
4. Assess the impacts of police brutality on victims and their communities,
including the injury to people's bodies and minds, the erosion in public faith in
the police, and the impact on human rights and the rule of law.
5. Recommend reforms to police training and recruitment, strengthened
oversight and accountability mechanisms, and broader social and political
changes to reduce inequality, discrimination, and violence in South Africa, as
well as external oversight bodies like the Independent Police Investigative
Directorate.
8 Research population and sample techniques
A population is the entire group of individuals or cases that meet a particular set of
criteria, while a sample is a subset of the population that is selected for the study. In
a research study on police brutality in South Africa, the population would be all
individuals who have experienced police brutality in South Africa. (Espinosa and
Yamashita, 2015). However, it may be difficult or impractical to study the entire
population, so a sample would be selected instead. There are different sampling
techniques that can be used to select a representative sample. Some common
techniques include:
8.1 Convenience Sampling
Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique used to recruit readily
accessible and expedient participants. (Moran, 2017). Typically, this involves utilizing
geographic location and resources that facilitate participant recruitment. When
conducting research on police misconduct in South Africa, I can use convenience
sampling by selecting individuals who have had an interaction with the police within
the prior six to twelve months and are willing to share their experiences. This can be
accomplished by reaching out to community groups, activists, or social media users
who have shared their experiences. It is essential to note, however, that convenience
sampling may not accurately represent the opinions and experiences of the entire
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population; therefore, additional sampling techniques, such as random and stratified
sampling, may be required to obtain a more representative sample.
8.2 Purposive Sampling
According to Moran (2017), purposive sampling selects experts. Qualitative
researchers subjectively define eligibility criteria for study participants. Purposive
sampling may identify South African police brutality victims. Victims, eyewitnesses,
and community leaders who oppose police abuse will be interviewed. I will interview
victims, eyewitnesses, and community leaders who have spoken out against police
brutality. Purposive sampling might also provide varied perspectives in the
investigation. This might include choosing people from diverse South African areas,
racial and ethnic groupings, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Purposive sampling
allows academics to acquire data from South African police misconduct experts.
8.3 Snowball Sampling
Snowball sampling includes locating initial volunteers who meet study criteria and
asking them to propose further individuals. Snowball sampling: Definition, Method,
and Examples, 2022). Snowball sampling will reveal South African police brutality
victims and witnesses who have remained silent. I'll ask a victim of police
misconduct to suggest additional victims. Community leaders fighting police brutality
may be requested to suggest more victims or witnesses. I can reach more
individuals and get more viewpoints on police misconduct in South Africa by
employing snowball sampling.
8.4 Theoretical Sampling
Theoretical sampling collects and analyses data iteratively to create or test
hypotheses. (Moran, 2018). Theoretical sampling might be used to study police
brutality in South Africa and how to stop it. I'll start with black South Africans' police
brutality experiences. I will look for trends or themes that show police violence is
more common in specific areas or during certain encounters. Based on these
tendencies, I will change my sample technique to include people from these
locations or who have had specific police contacts. This iterative process of adjusting
the study topic and sample technique will help me understand the causes of police
brutality in South Africa and how to remedy it.
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9 Data collection techniques
There are several data collection techniques that could be used in a research study
on police brutality in South Africa. Some of these techniques include:
9.1 Document and Secondary Analysis
Qualitative research on complicated societal topics like police wrongdoing in South
Africa relies on document and secondary analysis. According to The Most Efficient
Qualitative Data Collection Methods (2022) document analysis examines police
records, court papers, media stories, and social media postings on police brutality.
Secondary analysis uses government information, university research, and surveys
to generate fresh insights. As the researcher I will analyse police records to find
patterns in police misconduct. Secondary survey research may reveal community
members' views about law enforcement. Document and secondary analysis may
provide depth and complexity to qualitative research on police misconduct in South
Africa.
9.2 Interviews
Qualitative research on sensitive themes like South African police brutality benefits
from interviews. Interviewing victims, witnesses and police officers on police brutality
may provide rich and detailed narratives. Structured or unstructured interviews allow
participants to openly discuss their lives. (The Most Efficient Qualitative Data
Collection Methods, 2022). A victim of police wrongdoing will be asked precise
questions in a structured interview, whereas an unstructured interview may invite the
subject to relate their experience in their own words. Community people, police, and
human rights advocates may be interviewed. Diverse viewpoints will help me grasp
South Africa's complicated police brutality dynamics.
Evidence collected during Interviews
Police officers Victims Witnesses
- Their opinions on the - Details of their - Their experiences with
effectiveness of current experience of police reporting incidents of
policies and procedures brutality, including the police brutality and how
for addressing police circumstances and they were handled by law
brutality. damage. enforcement.
- The impact of the
incident on their physical
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- Their perceptions of and mental health, as well - Their observations of
police brutality and what as their relationships and incidents of police
factors contribute to it. daily life. brutality.
- Their suggestions for - Their interactions with - Their perceptions of the
reducing incidents of police officers before and factors that contribute to
police brutality. after the incident. police brutality.
- Their training and - Their perceptions of the - Their suggestions for
experiences with use of justice system and reducing incidents of
force. whether they feel their police brutality.
- Their views on the case was handled fairly.
relationship between
police and the community.
9.3 Observations
Qualitative study on complicated societal issues like South African police
misbehaviour benefits from observations. Observations may reveal intricate and
unique behaviours, habits, and interactions of people in their natural contexts. (The
Most Efficient Qualitative Data Collection Methods, 2022). I will observe police
behaviour and community interactions during patrols and demonstrations.
Community members' police interactions may show their perspectives on police
misconduct. South African police violence's social and cultural context will be
observed. Community meetings or protests to examine social and political roots of
police misbehaviour. South Africa's complex police misbehaviour problem may be
illuminated.
10 Ethical consideration
Any research study involving human subjects, such as a study on police brutality in
South Africa, must adhere to ethical principles to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-
being of the participants. These are just a few of the ethical considerations that
should be taken into account in a research study on police brutality in South Africa.
Some ethical considerations that will be taken into account in this research study
include:
10.1 Confidentiality and anonymity: Participants' personal information should be
kept confidential, and their identities should be protected to the extent possible.
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Participants should be assured that their responses will be kept anonymous and
that their participation will not result in any negative consequences for them.
10.2 Data management and storage: Researchers should ensure that collected
data is stored securely and that the appropriate precautions are taken to prevent
unauthorized access or disclosure.
10.3 Debriefing: Participants should be given the opportunity to ask questions,
receive information about the results of the study, and provide feedback about
their experiences participating in the study.
10.4 Informed consent: Participants must be completely apprised of the research
study's potential risks and benefits, and they must consent to participate
voluntarily. The participant's endorsement should be obtained in a language and
format that are readily comprehensible.
10.5 Minimization of harm: Participants should not be subjected to any physical,
psychological, or emotional harm as a result of participating in the study.
Researchers should take steps to minimise any potential harm or discomfort for
the participants.
10.6 Respect for cultural and social norms: Researchers should be sensitive to
cultural and social norms that may influence participants' willingness to
participate in the study or their responses to certain questions. Researchers
should take steps to ensure that the study is conducted in a culturally appropriate
and respectful manner.
11 Conclusion
South Africa's court system is plagued by police violence. It hinders law enforcement
and may incite further violence. Amnesty International reported 37 cases of police
violence in South Africa between 2012 and 2019 that ended in death, injury, or
torture. (Human Rights in South Africa, [sa]). The Independent Police Investigative
Directorate (IPID), which investigates police misbehaviour, was likewise found to be
incompetent and understaffed. (Deaths Caused by Police Action Jump to 410 in
Year, 223 More Died in Custody, [Sa]). The 2019 report was followed by many high-
profile police brutality cases. In 2013, Marikana police shot and killed 34 miners
striking for better working conditions. A police car pulling a minicab driver went viral
in 2019. Four police officers were charged with murder after the motorist died. Police
need proper training to de-escalate situations and communicate with the people
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without violence. Police violence has no place in a democratic society, and everyone
deserves respect.
12 References
5 Qualitative Research Designs and Research Methods. 2021. Available at:
https://www.gcu.edu/blog/doctoral-journey/5-qualitative-research-designs-and-
research-methods (accessed on: 28 May 2023).
Creswell, J., W. 2013. Qualitative inquiry and research design, choosing among five
approaches. London: Sage.
Deaths caused by police action jump to 410 in year, 223 more died in custody. [Sa].
TimesLIVE. Available at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-28-
deaths-caused-by-police-action-jump-to-410-in-year-223-more-died-in-custody/
accessed on: 31 May 2023).
Espinosa, L. L and Yamashita, M. 2015. EvaluationToolkit. Evaluation Guide.
Analyze Data. Available at: http://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluation-
guide/analyze/analyze- qualitative-data/ (accessed on: 28 May 2023).
Flick, U. 2015. Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a
research project. Sage.
Goulding, C. 2005. Grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology: A
comparative analysis of three qualitative strategies for marketing research. European
Journal of Marketing, 39(3/4), 294-309.
Human rights in South Africa. [Sa]. Amnesty International. Available at:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/africa/southern-africa/south-africa/report-south-
africa/ (accessed on: 31 May 2023).
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage
Publications Limited.
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Moran, M 2017, Qualitative Sampling Techniques, Statistics Solutions. Available at:
https://www.statisticssolutions.com/qualitative-sampling-techniques/ (accessed on:
28 May 2023).
Moran, M 2018, Theoretical Sampling in Grounded Theory, Statistics Solutions.
Available at: https://www.statisticssolutions.com/theoretical-sampling-in-grounded-
theory/ (accessed on: 28 May 2023).
Own views and thoughts.
Police Brutality in South Africa. 2011, SaferSpaces. Available at:
https://www.saferspaces.org.za/understand/entry/police-brutality-in-south-africa
(accessed on: 28 May 2023).
Silverman, D. ed., 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
Snowball Sampling method: Definition, Method & Examples 2022, Simply
Psychology. Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/snowball-sampling.html
(accessed on: 28 May 2023).
The Most Efficient Qualitative Data Collection Methods 2022, GCU. Available at:
https://www.gcu.edu/blog/doctoral-journey/most-efficient-qualitative-data-collection-
methods (accessed on: 28 May 2023).
Yin, R., K. 2016. Qualitative research from start to finish. (2nd Ed). New York: The
Guilford Press
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13 Declaration
I, Sherise Nundhkumar declares that this portfolio of evidence/assignment is my own
original work and I did not copy any person’s work. I also understand Unisa
Plagiarism policy, which prohibit the submission of plagiarized work as one’ own
work. Where I have used information from other sources, a list of reference and in-
text reference was provided in order to acknowledge the original authors of the
information.
Signature:
Date: 31 May 2023
Place: Residence
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