The Progress of Democratic Policing in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Abstract

Since the end of apartheid in South Africa the country has been forced to democratize. A major part of that democratization is the new police organization that was implemented post-apartheid. This article looks at the policy changes in the police department and the effects these policies have had on making the South African police a democratic police force. Using data from the Afrobarometer, the publics opinion of the new police over a three year span is analyzed to see if the police have succeeded in their new role in South Africa. Major changes were required to assist the South African police in becoming a democratic organization. These changes can be made quickly by passing new legislation, but the assimilation of these policy changes are not as fast. The South African police have made important strides to achieving democratic policing and the South African people have acknowledged such progress through their acceptance of the new South African Police Service.