An evaluation of the activities of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police in crime prevention : a study in Tembisa, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activities of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police in crime prevention within the area of Tembisa. This study identified current activities that the EMPD embarked on to prevent crime. Secondly, it determined the challenges confronting the Ekurhuleni Metro Police in crime prevention activities. Finally, the researcher provided recommendations based on the challenges represented in the findings. The researcher conducted 30 one-on-one interviews and observed members of the EMPD conducting their duties for a period of thirty days. Crime prevention is not viewed as a single entity function, from this standpoint; the researcher included the SAPS and CPF as institutions that collaborate with the EMPD. Findings revealed that several challenges confronted the EMPD to effectively and efficiently carry out its crime prevention function. This study recommends that policies that inform crime prevention activities from a municipal standpoint need to be reviewed in conjunction with efforts from the government to reduce the challenges that confront the EMPD.