Publication

This paper discusses the findings of 15 focus groups that explored civilian perceptions and experience of police corruption in South Africa. The research was conducted in and around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban in mid-2010. The paper suggests that a ‘tough’ approach to policing is unlikely to win public favor or change public perceptions. Instead the South African Police Service needs to concentrate on molding itself into an organization of well-trained professionals who treat South Africa’s citizens respectfully.