| ID | 178245 |
| Title Proper | Safeguarding the republic? the South African police service, legitimacy and the tribulations of policing a violent democracy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Lamb, Guy |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Since 1994 the South African Police Service (SAPS) has undertaken various efforts to build legitimacy in South Africa. Extensive community policing resources have been made available, and a hybrid community-oriented programme (sector policing) has been pursued. Nevertheless, public opinion data has shown that there are low levels of public trust in the police. Using Goldsmith’s framework of trust-diminishing police behaviours, this article suggests that indifference, a lack of professionalism, incompetence and corruption on the part of the police, particularly in high-crime areas, have eroded public trust in the SAPS. Furthermore, in an effort to maintain order, reduce crime and assert the authority of the state, the police have adopted militaristic strategies and practices, which have contributed to numerous cases of excessive use of force, which has consequently weakened police legitimacy in South Africa |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol. 56, No.1; Feb 2021: p.92–108 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies 2021-02 56, 1 |
| Key Words | Crime ; South Africa ; Militarisation ; Police ; Corruption |