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For decades, the prospect that research can improve the impact of policing operations and foster internal organisational efficiencies has been a source of promise and frustration. It may seem obvious to many that research should be able to assist with better policing strategies and tactics by providing evidence as to what does or does not work. Realising this potential, however, is not straightforward. This article reflects on evidence-based policing (EBP) and its challenges, as discussed at a workshop between the South African Police Service's first ever National Research Division, the Institute for Security Studies, and academic and policing organisations based in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, the South African Minister of Police releases the crime statistics in September and the SAPS Annual Report shortly thereafter. In this article we draw on an earlier analysis by David Bruce (SACQ 31) that questioned the veracity of the SAPS statistics for inter-personal violence. We show that there remains reason to question the veracity of the assault statistics, and point to other weaknesses in the way in which the statistics are reported. We argue that greater value would be obtained from the crime statistics if reported more frequently than once a year, and if they were disaggregated to a greater degree. The SAPS has a sophisticated and up-to-date system for recording and analysing crime data. This could prove an invaluable source of information for those who seek to better understand and respond to crime in South Africa. However, a long-overdue policy change is needed to ensure that South Africa can make better use of its crime statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the 'Hawks', is currently at a crossroads. The Constitutional Court judgment in Glenister vs the President of South Africa and Others has called into question the Directorate's continued existence in its current form. One of the most important questions raised by the Constitutional Court judgment is whether the DPCI can be sufficiently independent while located within the SAPS. This article presents arguments in support of the view that separating the unit from the SAPS is essential to build public confidence in the unit and to meet the requirements of the judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analysis of the 2009/10 SAPS crime statistics, which are released by the South African Police Service in September each year. The statistics for the 2009/10 period show an overall increase in crime at a national level that is driven by increases in five categories of crime: shoplifting, commercial crime, residential and business burglaries, and theft from motor vehicles. While the statistics suggest that violent crime has decreased, there are a number of questions about the accuracy of the statistics. The article discusses this issue and reflects on how the accuracy and reporting of crime statistics could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2006, substantial increases were recorded in residential and business robberies in Gauteng. Along with hijackings, these three subcategories of aggravated robbery were collectively referred to as the 'Trio Crimes'. After various policing operations failed to adequately reduce the Trio Crimes in Gauteng, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety undertook research into international best practice for combating residential and business robberies. The findings of this research formed the basis for the Gauteng Aggravated Robbery Strategy, which was subsequently developed and implemented in partnership with the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS). This initiative provides a case study of the role that provincial governments could play in supporting the police to reduce crime in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2006, residential robbery in Gauteng started to increased at a substantial rate - well above the average annual six per cent increase that had previously been taking place. This galvanised action from the provincial government, the South African Police Service and other key roleplayers in the province. The initiatives that were introduced have started to bear fruit as, for the first time in half a decade, a decrease in residential robberies started being recorded from April 2007. This article considers the extent and nature of residential robbery in Gauteng and what is being done to tackle the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been a little over five years since metropolitan police departments were first established in South Africa. Despite relatively small numbers of operational personnel, they now form a familiar part of the policing landscape. With good reason, metro police officers do better at traffic control than crime prevention, and their relationship with the SAPS needs attention. This article reflects on their achievements over the past years and some of the key challenges confronting these local level police agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1996 the SAPS established its first internal anti-corruption unit to tackle what was identified as a growing problem of police corruption. Seven years down the line, combating corruption is still a national priority of the SAPS. But recently the SAPS announced that it is closing the anti-corruption unit and integrating some of its members into the organised crime unit. International experience suggests, however, that a specialised unit dedicated to investigating police crime and corruption is crucial if these problems are to be tackled effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]