Building research evidence that works for policing

Although SAPS has an impressive performance management system that collects masses of data, it doesn’t rigorously determine impact.

There is almost no evidence that policing in South Africa reduces crime or improves feelings of safety. This does not mean that it has no impact. It means only that the link between police activities, and levels of crime, perceptions of safety, fear of crime and community satisfaction with the police has not been competently shown. This brief explains how that conclusion was reached and what it implies.

About the author

Anine Kriegler is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Centre of Criminology at the University of Cape Town. Her primary research interests are crime statistics and drug policy. She has a PhD and master’s degree from the University of Cape Town, and a master’s from the University of Cambridge. She is co-author of the book A citizen’s guide to crime trends in South Africa.