Partnerships within crime prevention have been considered an efficient approach in reducing crime rates. However, there is not enough information on how the partnerships are structured. This study aims to research what different partnerships are used in crime preventative work, who are involved and the main targets of intervention. The purpose of the study is also to draw conclusions of which motivations are behind the implementation and how the term ‘partnership’ is generally conceptualized. This will be examined through a scoping review followed by an analysis of the identified variables connected to the research questions. The findings of the study show that there are a large variety of working in partnership with various actors, but mainly the Police and Local authorities. The community and non-governmental organizations also contribute to the preventative work, creating school-based and community-based strategies to reduce crime. Based on the results it is noticed that the common targets of partnership approaches are focused on either social or situational prevention. There is a wide range of crimes, such as violent crime, drug-related crimes or social and/or physical disorder. The partnerships’ focus is directed towards either the individual or the overall community. The results indicate that the topic of ‘partnership’ definition or its conceptualization are not often mentioned, instead motivations for the implementation of partnerships are more prominent. By working in partnerships, it will contribute to a stronger tie between communities and actors. And with the correct methods applied, such as better information- sharing and regular meetings, the efficiency of partnerships will fortify.

Community policing is a joint community and police effort to reduce the incidents of crime, to the benefit of the basic human need of safety. Without community assistance, police alone cannot reduce the crime levels. Since 2012, there have been attempts to implement community policing in Westonaria. However, the success of the implementation thereof has proved to be problematic. The question arose as to what the reason for this limited success is. The researcher formulated research questions to determine the meaning of community policing, as well as the factors affecting the successful implementation thereof in the Westonaria policing precinct. To achieve the desired results, the researcher used different methodologies, and identified target groups and data collection techniques, which was analysed and interpreted. Literature and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Primary sources such as written materials of the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Development Plan 2030 and other documents that relate to community policing and crime prevention strategies were analysed. In addition, secondary sources such as dissertations and theses, newspaper articles and text books on community policing were also consulted. Interviews were conducted with SAPS members and local community members. The purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants who was knowledgeable and had experience on the research topic. This study gives an overall explanation of what community policing is, from the literature reviewed relevant to the study, with the aim to strengthen partnership between the SAPS and local community of Westonaria. Inhibiting factors in the police, as well as in the community, were identified and recommendations are made for the successful implementation of community policing in the area. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminal Justice)