A sustainable governance model for metropolitan policing in South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : Having just celebrated ten years of democratic rule, South Africa, as a young democracy, is an emerging country in the international world. It is also emerging, from ahistory of police brutality in apartheid South Africa, towards embracing human rights, accountability, police-community relations and a people-orientated approach to safety issues.It is this young democratic country that is paving the way for metropolitan policing on the African continent, by setting the example in South Africa. Metropolitan/ Municipal police has found its legislative mandate through the South African Police Amendment Act (Act No. 83 of 1995). It provides an opportunity to enable positioning of local governmentpolicing in a manner that will ensure that 'quality of life' for all is achieved througheffective, efficient and sustainable policing.This study aims to give essence to a governance model as a strategy for sustainable metropolitan policing. The research provided for the following concepts of sustainable governance as a basis or foundation to build metropolitan policing: • Institutional/Managerial Leadership/Sustainability; • Political Sustainability; • Representivity;• Development and Growth; • Equitable Allocation and Distribution Resources;• People-centred Approaches;• Democratic Rights; • Professionalism and Ethics; • Financial sustainability;• Effective and Efficient Processes;• Co-ordination and Integration;• Sustainable decision making;• Sustainable results The framework for sustainable governance in Metropolitan Policing is broad and key aspects that influence the main objective of this research, namely co-ordination andintegration have been included, for the purpose of this study.The study provides opportunity for deep reflection on how future policing at localgovernment level in this country is structured, shaped and managed. The international basis of the study provides lessons conceptualised within a 'learning organisation' context. Metropolitan police services can enrich their organisation through learning from their international counterparts and sister organisations, inclusive of the South African Police Service (SAPS).It is also the relationship with the SAPS that will be the most challenging for themetropolitan police service. A key element that shapes the interaction between theMetropolitan Police organisations and the South African Police Services is based onsharing of policing power and distribution of resources. A sustainable relationshipbetween the SAPS and metropolitan police services is important. It directly impacts onhow policing is executed. It also requires consideration when co-ordination andintegration processes in metropolitan police organisations are considered.The study aims to prove the importance and necessity of integration and co-ordination;however, it also emphasises the relevance of proper systems, processes and structureswithin an environment prior to embracing co-ordination and integration initiatives. It bindsthe concept of co-ordination and integration into all facets of organisational life, arguingthe basis for technological assistance to consolidate such transformation.The study brings metropolitan policing into a transit from a 'local government trafficorganisation linked to council policies' to a modern-day police organisation thatembraces the complexities within which such organisations exist, both externally andinternally, finding sustainable solutions and strategies for service delivery that fits ouryoung democratic heritage of a single decade.The challenge to shape metropolitan policing to be different from the historic apartheidstylemunicipal police force will eventually be a task for leadership of the metropolitanpolice organisation (across all levels) in its responses to society in terms of servicedelivery outcomes, which will be determined by how the organisation has shaped itsfuture (vision), what it presents to society in terms of service delivery and the measurestaken to achieve sustainability. The latter refers, in principle, and for purposes of thisstudy, to good governance and sustainable development, both of which form thecornerstone of effective and efficient policing.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University