Over the past decade, well over 1000 police officials have been killed. Last year 109 members were killed while on duty. As of the end of May this year, 36 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have reportedly been killed.   

The reality of life threatening violence is one of a number of challenges facing members of the South African Police Service. With high public expectations to “solve the crime problem” on their shoulders, the men and women of the SAPS daily face a difficult and dangerous world, carrying out work that few are willing to do, often with little appreciation shown by the public. The nature of police work, including the daily pressures police face and the dynamics that drive police decision-making, are  difficult for civilians to fully relate to and understand.

The ISS will is hosting a public seminar that will provide insights into the challenges that police officials face on the streets of South Africa and the impact that this has on them. This seminar will also explore practical solutions that would improve the conditions of policing and police safety and that will support police professionalism. This seminar is part of an Open Society Foundation funded project that seeks to support police integrity and professionalism in South Africa.

Speakers

Professor. Anthony Minnaar (School of Criminal Justice, University of South Africa)