The effects of information and communication technology as a tool for transformation and service delivery within the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mafikeng

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining the mismanagement of the effect of ICT within SAPS in the Molopo Area of the North West. It attempted to establish whether: there are feelings of mismanagement of transformation of service delivery within the Molopo Area; there are perceptions on lack of IT equipments; there are beliefs of unfairness in the distribution/allocation of IT equipment and unfair distribution; there are concerns of lack of training among members of the other races. A deductive research method, based on quantitative data analysis, comprising a representative sample focussing only on one or two stations around Molopo has been used. The target market was surveyed and different responses were received from such targeted groups even though some of the findings contradicted the above mentioned objectives which were formulated in negative terms due to what the researcher's observation is and based on some of the complaints tabled at the service level agreement (SLA) meetings between the State Information Technology Agency (SIT A) and the South African Police service (SAPS). The researcher chose a questionnaire as a measuring instrument and it consisted of 30 items or questions. Eight items were on biographical information and twenty two questions were based on allocation of resources, training and management there of. The key findings of the effects of information and communication technology as a tool for transformation or service delivery within SAPS in Mafikeng emphasise that there were still a lack of computer training to the users, less allocation and management of equipment. Recommendations have been made to improve matters which hampered service delivery to the community of Mafikeng, which will not only solve the current crisis, but will promote job specific utilisation of resources in SAPS.