To protect and serve: Restoring public confidence in the SAPS

Abstract

Persistent incidents of brutality, criminal behaviour and abuse of authority by members of South Africa’s police agencies have serious implications for public trust and confidence in the police. A decline in trust and confidence in the police is inevitably harmful to the ability of the government to reduce crime and improve public safety. Firm action is needed to stop the decline in policing standards, which is placing both police officers and civilians at unnecessary risk of injury and death. This article explores the underlying reasons for many of the problems confronting the SAPS and considers how they may be addressed.