Apartheid and post-apartheid analysis of public confidence in the police: A longitudinal analysis across time. Issue 6 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boateng, Francis D.; Lee, Jihye Yoo
• Is Part Of: Policing. Volume 41:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 766
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: South Africa -- Police legitimacy -- Apartheid -- Confidence -- Citizens; Police -- Periodicals; 363.205
• DOI: 10.1108/PIJPSM-06-2017-0074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-951X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Given the tumultuous history of policing in South Africa, the historic relationship between the police and the public, and the continuous rising crime rates, it is perplexing that little quantitative research has been conducted on legitimacy and the SAPS. The current study assesses public confidence in police in South Africa by analyzing data from a more than three-decade-old public opinion survey. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine changes in public confidence since 1981; and second, to determine factors that cause variations in confidence during a given period. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the objectives, the authors analyzed longitudinal data collected from 1981 to 2014 as part of the world Value Survey program. ANOVA and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Findings: Findings indicate that confidence in SAPS was highest during the period immediately after apartheid and then dwindled from 1999 onwards. Moreover, race, happiness and education have historically influenced public confidence in the police. Originality/value: These findings provide information that could be useful for transforming the SAPS, especially in developing viable strategies to strengthen the police's relationship with citizens. Additionally, the manuscript provides an original contribution to the study of public attitudes toward the police and police legitimacy, especially in a non-western society.