Implementation of sector policing in the Province of Kwazulu-Natal : the case of Nongoma and Newcastle Police Stations

Abstract

The central issue of this research revolves around the implementation of sector policing in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The research is based in two police stations, that is, Nongoma and Newcastle. Sector policing is a policing strategy introduced by South African Police Service in 1994. The aim of this policing strategy is the creation of structured consultation with regards to local crime problems between the police and respective communities. The objective of sector policing is to develop an organizational structure and environment that reflects community values and facilitates community involvement in addressing risk factors and solve crime-related problems. The research problem for this study is that there is little or no research conducted on the implementation of sector policing in South Africa in general and Nongoma and Newcastle in particular. Following this problem statement, the following five research questions were formulated: What is sector policing and how does its implementation differ between the USA, the UK and South Africa? What is the status of the implementation of the sector policing in South Africa, in particular the Province of KwaZulu-Natal? What are the challenges experienced in implementing sector policing in Nongoma and Newcastle police stations? What are best practices that can be observed in the implementation of sector policing in these two police stations? What is the best possible way of implementing sector policing in South Africa? The aim of the research is to assess and describe the manner in which sector policing was implemented in the two police stations in KZN. The research findings obtained through interviews are analysed and interpreted. In view of the findings, best practices, and recommendations were formulated on how to overcome challenges that may face the implementation of sector policing in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.