Table of Contents
Question 1: Trust and Law Enforcement.....................................................................2
1.1 Impact of Aspects on Trust..................................................................................... 2
1.2 Over-Policing Explained..........................................................................................3
Question 2: Legislative Frameworks............................................................................3
Question 3: Democratic Policing in South Africa.......................................................4
Comparison of Models of Defining Policing................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 5
References...................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction
Trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is a
cornerstone of democratic policing. As Manning (2010) emphasizes, “The police are the
public, and the public is the police.” This essay will explore the factors impacting trust
between law enforcement and the community, delve into the concept of over-policing,
examine the interconnections between key legislative frameworks in South Africa, and
provide a comprehensive understanding of democratic policing within the South African
context.
Question 1: Trust and Law Enforcement
1.1 Impact of Aspects on Trust
Trust between communities and law enforcement is influenced by several factors,
including satisfaction, fear and response, encounters and experiences, cynicism, and the
availability of justice.
Satisfaction is critical to fostering trust. High levels of community satisfaction with
police services can enhance public perception and cooperation. For instance,
community outreach programs that effectively address local concerns often lead to
increased trust in law enforcement agencies.
Fear and response significantly shape community trust. Communities plagued by high
crime rates may develop distrust towards law enforcement if they perceive inadequate
or ineffective responses. For example, if police fail to address persistent gang violence,
residents may feel vulnerable and less inclined to rely on police for protection.
Encounters and experiences with law enforcement can either build or erode trust.
Positive interactions, such as friendly communications during routine traffic stops, can
foster goodwill. Conversely, aggressive policing can lead to distrust. For instance,
community events where officers engage positively with citizens can strengthen
community bonds and trust.
Cynicism towards law enforcement can stem from a history of misconduct. When citizens
believe that police are corrupt or biased, they may refuse to cooperate. Incidents of police
brutality can have long-lasting effects, creating a legacy of mistrust that persists across
generations.
Finally, the availability of justice plays a crucial role in shaping trust. Communities
that feel justice is accessible and fairly administered are more likely to trust law
enforcement. Conversely, if victims of crime perceive that their concerns are ignored,
trust diminishes. For instance, efficient handling of domestic violence cases can enhance
community trust in law enforcement.
1.2 Over-Policing Explained
Over-policing refers to excessive law enforcement presence and interventions within a
community, which can lead to negative outcomes. This phenomenon often manifests in
marginalized communities where increased police activity can create a sense of
oppression rather than safety.
The impact of over-policing can be profound. It can strain community relations and
foster feelings of resentment. For example, aggressive stop-and-frisk policies in certain
neighborhoods can alienate residents and diminish their trust in police. Furthermore, a
constant police presence may lead to practices like racial profiling, exacerbating
existing tensions between law enforcement and the community.
Question 2: Legislative Frameworks
Introduction
The South African Police Service Act of 1995, the White Paper on Safety and Security
(2016), and the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) are interconnected
frameworks that collectively aim to enhance policing in South Africa. Understanding
their relationships and applications is essential for effective law enforcement.
1. South African Police Service Act (1995)
This act establishes the foundational structure and functions of the police in South Africa.
It emphasizes the need for an accountable and community-oriented police service, laying
the groundwork for democratic policing.
2. White Paper on Safety and Security (2016)
Building upon the SAPS Act, the White Paper promotes community safety and a
collaborative approach to crime prevention. It emphasizes the importance of
partnerships between police and communities to address safety concerns effectively.
3. National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS)
The NCPS outlines comprehensive strategies for crime prevention, emphasizing a holistic
approach that includes social development initiatives. It complements the SAPS Act and
the White Paper by addressing the root causes of crime, aiming for long-term safety and
security.
Conclusion
Together, these legislative frameworks work to create a safer South Africa by fostering
community engagement and promoting integrated crime prevention strategies. Their
interrelationship highlights the importance of a coordinated approach to democratic
policing.
Question 3: Democratic Policing in South Africa
Introduction
Democratic policing in South Africa is a multifaceted concept rooted in accountability,
transparency, and community involvement. This section will explain democratic policing
in South Africa and compare five models of defining policing, discussing their
characteristics and implications.
Explanation of Democratic Policing
Democratic policing emphasizes the police's role as servants of the community,
ensuring public safety while respecting human rights. It is characterized by public
oversight and active community engagement, reflecting the values of a democratic
society.
Comparison of Models of Defining Policing
1. Traditional Policing Model
This model focuses primarily on crime control and law enforcement. While it is effective
in reactive measures, it is often criticized for lacking proactive community engagement.
2. Community Policing Model
This model promotes collaboration between police and community members to identify
and solve local issues. Although it fosters trust, challenges in resource allocation can
hinder its effectiveness.
3. Problem-Oriented Policing Model
This approach targets the underlying causes of crime, encouraging proactive strategies.
It requires significant community involvement and data analysis, which can be resource
- intensive.
4. Intelligence-Led Policing Model
Utilizing data to inform policing strategies, this model enhances resource allocation but
may inadvertently lead to over-policing in certain demographics based on data patterns.
5. Procedural Justice Model
This model prioritizes fairness and respect in police interactions, aiming to enhance
community trust. However, it necessitates a cultural shift within police departments to
effectively implement its principles.
Conclusion
Each policing model offers unique insights into the complexities of establishing effective
democratic law enforcement in South Africa. A balanced approach that incorporates
elements from all models may lead to improved community relations and enhanced public
safety.
References
Prescribed Reading
The prescribed textbook for Democratic Policing (SA Context) & History (PDP100), Topic
1, 2, 3 and 4 is:
• Manning, P.K. 2016. Democratic Policing in a Changing World 1st Edition. Routledge.
Recommended Reading
• Bronner, M.D. 2019. What democratic policing is… and is not
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10439463.2019.164940 5
• Munck, G.L., 2015. Building democracy… which democracy? Ideology and models of
democracy in post-transition Latin America. Government and opposition, 50 (3), 364-
393. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/government-and
opposition/article/abs/building-democracy-which-democracy-ideology and-models-of-
democracy-in-posttransition-latin america/2333E047B308E0F9DD3C01B87DFB90DE
• South Africa. Government White Paper (No. 18340) on Transformation of the Public
Service (Batho Pele Principles).
• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [South Africa], 10 December 1996 [Online]
https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b5de4.html [Accessed 24 September 2020] •
Civilian Secretariat for Police, 2016. White Paper on Safety and Security
https://www.saferspaces.org.za/uploads/files/2020-WPSS.pdf
•The SAPS Interim Regulations for Community Police Forums and Boards
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/text/2003/12/saps_interim_regulatio ns_community_
police_forums.pdf
• The White Paper on Policing (2016)
