Exploring the professionalism of the South African Police Service in fulfilling its constitutional mandate at Sunnyside Policing Precinct, South Africa
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Authors
Thenga, Shumani Jennifer
Issue Date
2024-12
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Professionalism , Professional behaviour , Police , Policing , Constitutional mandate , Precinct , Accountability , Ethical standard , Police integrity , Discipline , SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative study was meant to establish how the South African Police Service at Sunnyside Policing Precinct carries out its constitutional mandates. The interviews with police officers in Sunnyside serve to highlight experiences of the personnel and their levels of performance in carrying out duties. A review of the local and international laws and policies that pertain to the regulation of the conduct of SAPS members has also been conducted in this study amidst diverse international perspectives and approaches.
Data were collected from twelve (12) police officials at Sunnyside Police Station. The respondents included five (5) Detectives Service, five (5) Visible Policing members, and two (2) Police Officers at the Sunnyside Policing Area in Gauteng Province. Data were analysed manually through themes that emerged in the study. These themes were analysed and categorised into themes and sub-themes.
Preliminary findings create a mixed picture. Against a background of laudable professionalism and commitment from some SAPS officers, there is also a concern around issues like corruption, excessive use of force, and even response times. The community's view of law enforcement reflects this in a very complex relationship: a mixture of trust, scepticism, and frustration. The study makes recommendations for increasing the professionalism and effectiveness of the police within the Sunnyside Police Precinct through improved training in human rights and community policing, along with increased openness and accountability measures. The study underlines the necessity for collaboration between the police and local organisations regarding overall security issues. The purpose is to contribute to the current discourse of police professionalism and accountability in South Africa, with particular reference to diverse and rapidly changing city precincts such as Sunnyside.