Conceptualizing an Ideal Policing Model: Strategies for South African Police
Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 3,
20 December 2023
,
Page 92-110
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v3/7026C
Abstract
This chapter conceptualize a perfect policing model and crime-fighting tactics for the South African police service. Controlling crime is the police's primary goal. top priorities since 1996 when the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) of 1996 was launched. This strategy is based on a fundamentally new approach by government which is both a multi-agency and multi-party initiative. In particular, it requires the development of wider responsibility for crime prevention and a shift in emphasis from reactive "crime control" which deploys most resources towards responding after crimes have already been committed, towards proactive "crime prevention" which is aimed at preventing crime from occurring. The public generally supports professional crime fighting as the primary policing technique because it represents a strong dedication to this goal. Other recommended strategies, such community policing or problem-solving, seem to be obscuring the main point. These would be undesirable alternatives if they increased the risk of criminal victimization in the community. But when assessing the value of alternative police tactics in crime control, one must look beyond words or just declared commitment to the cause; one must look for demonstrated effectiveness in achieving the objective. Today's professional crime-fighting tactics consist of three primary strategies: motorized patrol, prompt emergency response, and retroactive crime investigation. Over the past few decades, police responsiveness has been improved by connecting officers with the public via telephones, radios, and cars as well as by matching police officer schedules and locations to anticipated calls for service. The field will know it has a stronger policing plan available if they are successful in the next three to five years at both decreasing major crime and winning over the public's support. The goal of problem-solving and community policing is to establish a close, as opposed to a remote, relationship with the community.
- Model
- policing
- crime
- tactics in policing
- conceptualize a perfect policing model
- crime-fighting tactics
- South African police service