PROJECT: VISIBLE POLICING IN SOUTH AFRICA
- isabels39
- May 12
- 4 min read
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Specialist security expert Mr. Mike Bolhuis consistently advocates for visible policing as a key component in addressing crime in South Africa. Visible policing refers to law enforcement officers' strategic and constant presence in public spaces,
whether on foot, in vehicles, or through regular patrols,
intending to deter criminal activity, offer reassurance to the public, and respond swiftly to incidents.
WHAT IS VISIBLE POLICING:
Visible policing involves uniformed officers being seen by the public in areas such as streets, malls, schools, and residential zones.
It includes:
Foot patrols and vehicle patrols
Stop-and-search operations
Roadblocks
Community engagement activities
High-visibility deployment in crime hotspots
The presence of officers not only deters would-be criminals but also instils a sense of safety in the community.
WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT:
CRIME PREVENTION:
The most immediate benefit is deterrence.
Criminals are less likely to act when there is a noticeable police presence.
PUBLIC CONFIDENCE:
Regular interaction with law enforcement fosters trust and encourages communities to report crime.
RAPID RESPONSE:
Officers on patrol can respond more quickly to crimes in progress.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Visible policing helps bridge the gap between police and the public, leading to better cooperation and intelligence sharing.
WHAT IS HINDERING ITS IMPLEMENTATION:
Despite its importance, several challenges prevent effective visible policing:
UNDERSTAFFING:
South Africa has fewer than 180,000 officers for over 60 million people, far below the UN recommendation of one officer per 220 people.
BUDGET CONSTRAINTS:
The SAPS has faced budget cuts exceeding R3 billion, affecting vehicle maintenance, training, and operations.
LOW MORALE AND CORRUPTION:
Police officers often face dangerous working conditions, low pay, and allegations of internal corruption, affecting their motivation and effectiveness.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION:
Urban centres often receive better policing coverage than rural or informal areas.
FURTHER FACTS AND STATISTICS:
SAPS RESOURCE SHORTFALLS:
The police-to-population ratio is roughly 1:330, far behind international benchmarks.
BUDGET CUTS:
The 2023/2024 SAPS Annual Report confirmed severe financial limitations, impacting patrol capability.
DECREASED VISIBILITY:
A 2022 ISS report noted a 20% drop in police presence in high-crime areas over five years.
CRIME REDUCTION IN PATROLLED AREAS:
In visibly patrolled areas like Sandton and parts of Cape Town CBD, contact crimes have dropped by up to 25%.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION:
According to the 2022 Victims of Crime Survey by Stats SA:
58% of citizens feel unsafe walking at night in their own communities.
72% said they would feel safer with regular police patrols.
HIJACKING DECLINE:
Gauteng SAPS reported a 12% drop in hijackings in patrolled hotspots in early 2023.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis emphasises that visible policing must become a top priority if South Africa hopes to make real progress in curbing violent crime and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
For visible policing to work effectively, political will, sufficient funding, and ethical leadership are essential.
Empowered officers with community support and clear mandates can be the difference
between safety and fear for millions of South Africans.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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