The perceptions of the community on community policing at Nkaneng informal settlement

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the causes and effects of the non-establishment of a community-policing sub-forum at Nkaneng Informal Settlement. One of these causes is the negative perceptions that exist on the side of both the police and the community due to poor communication between them. The dissertation gives an overview of (1) the theoretical framework and (2) the profile of the study area, (3) it interprets and analyses the data collected through interviews and (4) it traces the process of establishing a Community Policing Forum (CPF) at Tlhabane Police Station. The study has found that many factors of a social, cultural, economic and political nature are complicating the situation. However, it has become apparent that the chief impediment in overcoming the poor relationship between the police and the community is a failure to develop sustainable behavioural changes among both police officials and members of the community. A fundamental transmutation of attitudes and practices is needed. Furthermore, recommendations for the establishment of a sub-forum have been given extensive consideration in chapter 6 of the study. These possible solutions or recommendations such as (1) urban bias, (2 ) management versus leadership, (3) responsibility and accountability, (4) community policing co-ordination, (5) strategic and system planning, (6) communication, (7) community participation, (8) use of national events days and (9) creation of a community centre have been discussed comprehensively and extensively. This latter chapter also contains hints and suggestions that can assist the Community Policing Officer (CPO) in dealing with the problems experienced by the police in the study area. In the compilation of the study and analysis of the data, it has become clear that the police have to double their efforts to change the attitudes and perceptions of the residents of the community involved in the study.