Safer communities, better policing

THE call for the devolution of policing powers in South Africa has never been more urgent than now. With the rise in crime, communities under constant threat and a national police service operating beyond capacity without adequate resources, devolution of policing is no longer a theoretical debate but a practical necessity.

- IAN CAMERON

Devolution of powers refers to the allocation of specific responsibilities from the national government to either provincial or municipal levels to enhance policing governance. Unlike centralisation, which concentrates decision-making in a single authority, devolution reflects a form of decentralisation distributing power and responsibilities closer to the communities affected, thereby enhancing responsiveness and accountability in governance. It can be the ultimate force multiplier that would not only enhance the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) but essentially capacitate local and provincial law enforcement services to a next level.

The primary objective is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement by allowing provincial or local governments to manage policing functions that are better suited to local circumstances and community needs.

Devolving policing powers is simply about bringing in more expertise, resources, and partnerships to ensure we can fight crime together, more effectively and in a way that empowers communities. It is not about political control.

South Africa’s policing model remains highly centralised despite increasing evidence that the current system cannot meet the countries diverse localised security challenges. In a recent study concluded by the United Nations, countries considered successful in fighting crime have 1 police officer per 220 citizens. In contrast, South Africa averages 1 officer per 423 citizens, with the Western Cape falling even further behind with a ratio of 1: 571, further highlighting that the SAPS structures are simply not equipped to meet local needs.