Police officers have a significant role to play in the stability, economic growth, and development of South Africa. Therefore, it is critical for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to have police officers who are engaged in their work. However, given the high levels of crime and violence in South Africa, and the ensuing dangers associated with police work, many of these situations are experienced as stressful, often resulting in psychological distress. On the contrary, some police officers, regardless of the stressful nature of their job, seem to enjoy their work and exert greater effort in dealing with these stressors. The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative description of occupational stress and work engagement as perceived and experienced by police officers in the SAPS Dog Unit. The researcher’s interest in this research topic, emanated when, as part of a Psychometry Internship at the SAPS, the researcher was involved in psychometric evaluation of police officers who wanted to join the Dog Unit. The researcher had the opportunity to interview police officers who acknowledged that, despite being aware of the stressful nature of the job, they were willing to deal with these stressors. Furthermore, a comprehensive search of literature revealed that there are no qualitative studies exploring perceptions and experiencesof occupational stress and work engagement of police officers in the Dog Unit. This motivated the researcher to conduct this study to fill in the gap of qualitative research literature. A qualitative research design was used and the transactional approach to stress formed the theoretical premise of this study. A purposive non-probability sampling technique resulted in10 interviews being conducted with both male and female dog handlers at the SAPS Dog Unit in Durban. The researcher utilised a semi-structured interview schedule and all audio-taped interview data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study suggest that individual differences and situational factors are useful in explaining how stressors produced different reactions in police officers at the Dog Unit based on their cognitive appraisal of work demands. The most common sources of occupational stress experienced by participants include: (a) task related stressors, (b) organisational stressors, and (c) personal stressors. With regard to these stressors, the results suggest that organisational stressors greatly affect participants compared to task-related stressors. With regard to perceptions and experiences of work engagement, the results reveal that perceptions of work engagement spanned over six domains: (a) inner calling, (b) an active choice to become a police officer, (c) to serve and protect, (d) sense of duty, (e) recognition, and (f) to form an identity. Interestingly it was found that the following resources positively influenced work engagement, namely, social support, skills and abilities, peer support, and self-efficacy. In addition, findings suggest that positive appraisals of work situations and being immersed in one’s job significantly influenced participant’s experiences of work engagement. Thus, the findings suggest that adequate resources and positive appraisals can promote engagement even when the conditions for engagement are less than optimal.This study contributes greatly to the evolving body of knowledge on occupational stress and work engagement and provides a unique context specific perspective to understanding how police officers in the Dog Unit perceive and experience occupational stress and work engagement. Prior to the present study, no studies had been undertaken to specifically understand perceptions and experiences of police officers in the Dog Unit. It has become clear that further research in this regard is required to bring about a deeper understanding of the perceptions and experiences of occupational stress and work engagement of police officers in the Dog Unit. The objective being to provide more support to police officers to ensure the stability, economic growth, and development of South Africa. In contrast to studies which show that high job demands and lack of job resources negatively impact employee engagement, findings from this study show that despite being exposed to conditions that are less favourable for engagement, police officers at the Dog Unit are engaged. An understanding of police officer’s perceptions and experiences of occupational stress and work engagement may provide direction for strategies to provide more support to dog handlers and improve work engagement in the Dog Unit. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The research was conducted as a result of the long standing criticism against undercover operations due to the conduct of informers and agents during these operations. Since both undercover operations and informers are controversial issues it may cause serious judicial problems if the system is not applied correctly. The problem was investigated by means of qualitative research. A thorough literature study and semi-structured interviews were used to gather the required data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with advocates of the Director of Public Prosecutions Free State and detectives from the Organised Crime Unit of the South African Police Service. It has been found that undercover operations are an effective manner to address organised crime and especially precious metals related crimes. Undercover operations are an excellent barometer to determine the extent of organised crime. It gives investigators a clear view of the compilation of a syndicate and the roles of leaders, runners and associates. Informers are invaluable sources of information. Without the use of informers it will be virtually impossible to engage in undercover operations, since the police will have no intelligence to engage into an investigation of this nature. The implications of the findings are that it is the responsibility of investigators, agents and informers to keep the system transparent, fair and acceptable. Their conduct may never violate their mandate and the boundaries of the investigation. Undercover operations are justified when the system is properly administered, structured, controlled and without bias. / Forensic Investigation / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The research was conducted as a result of the long standing criticism against undercover operations due to the conduct of informers and agents during these operations. Since both undercover operations and informers are controversial issues it may cause serious judicial problems if the system is not applied correctly. The problem was investigated by means of qualitative research. A thorough literature study and semi-structured interviews were used to gather the required data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with advocates of the Director of Public Prosecutions Free State and detectives from the Organised Crime Unit of the South African Police Service. It has been found that undercover operations are an effective manner to address organised crime and especially precious metals related crimes. Undercover operations are an excellent barometer to determine the extent of organised crime. It gives investigators a clear view of the compilation of a syndicate and the roles of leaders, runners and associates. Informers are invaluable sources of information. Without the use of informers it will be virtually impossible to engage in undercover operations, since the police will have no intelligence to engage into an investigation of this nature. The implications of the findings are that it is the responsibility of investigators, agents and informers to keep the system transparent, fair and acceptable. Their conduct may never violate their mandate and the boundaries of the investigation. Undercover operations are justified when the system is properly administered, structured, controlled and without bias. / Forensic Investigation / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The security of its citizens is often regarded as the democratic state's primary raison d'etre. However, with increasing crime and perceptions of insecurity among citizens, along with actual and perceived state policing inadequacies, citizens around the world have sought to make alternative arrangements for their security. The explosion of private alternatives to state policing has resulted in the need for the replacement of former static definitions of policing by more fluid understandings of what policing entails. Policing is no longer an activity undertaken exclusively by the 'state police.' Policing needs to be understood within a framework which recognises the existence of a variety of state, commercial, community groups and individuals which exist within loose and sometimes informal, sometimes formal, networks to provide for the security of citizens. Preceding the country's transition to democracy in 1994 'state' policing in South Africa was aimed at monitoring and suppressing the black population and as a result it conducted itself in a largely militaristic way. When the government of national unity assumed power in 1994 it was indisputable that the South African Police had to undergo major reform if it was to play an effective, co-operative and accountable role in a democratic South Africa. While state policing has unquestionably undergone enormous changes since the advent of democracy in 1994, so too has non-state policing. It is widely accepted that the dividing line between state and non-state policing in South Africa is increasingly blurred. Policing, by its very nature, holds the potential to threaten democracy. Consequently it is important that policing is democratically controlled. According to the Law Commission of Canada four values and principles - justice, equality, accountability, and efficiency - should support policing in a democracy. This thesis is a case study of policing in Grahamstown, a small city in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. It will be shown that the policing problem that currently plagues Grahamstown, and by extension South Africa, is not simply the result of a shortage of providers but rather a problem of co-coordinating and monitoring security governance to ensure that the city does not further develop into a society where the wealthy have greater access to security than the poor.

Summary in English and Afrikaans / Crime is unwanted in any society because it brings about fear, anger and hatred. As people living in a world of constant change, we tend to strive for innovation which this research endeavours. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and all relevant role-players become partners in the fight against not only crime, but also community problems that threaten the well-being of inhabitants. Local Government is attempting to develop communities in municipal areas and SAPS primary function is to reduce crime. If crime is one of the main obstacles in improving the quality of life, then surely government authorities must take responsibility for local safety, and who better than these two key organisations taking the lead. This study investigates the roles of SAPS and Local Government in crime prevention in the Cape Winelands District Municipality; also whether their co-operation brings about fruitful results and what interventions are actively in place. It further explores whether their integrated approach has an impact on the safety and security of local communities. Lastly, it determines whether their collaboration is effective or not; and what additional improvements can be implemented, seeking new insights for future reference. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were distributed to senior management members of the SAPS and Local Government, as well as other relative stakeholders who contribute to increasing safety. Crime reduction influences all spheres of society, for example our economy, businesses, tourism etc. Reducing crime and building safer communities must be a priority for all South Africans. To achieve this, crime prevention programmes should be initiated at community level, since crime prevention involves responding to a few priority problems, using multi-agency approaches. Government legislation and policies urge both organisations to take the lead in implementing crime prevention projects which this study discovered. This analysis is not to re-invent the wheel but to find effective ways in strengthening partnership which leads to new knowledge in the field of crime prevention at local level. One of the basic needs of any community is the need for safety and security and this study aims to assist and contribute to increase safety using an integrated approach. / Enige samelewing het „n afkeur aan misdaad omdat dit angs, haat en negatiewe emosies aanwakker. Omdat die mensdom gedurig verandering in die gesig staar, poog hierdie navorsing om nuwe idees. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie Diens (SAPD) en ander rolspelers is vennote in die bekamping van misdaad, asook probleme wat die welstand van elke gemeenskap bedreig. Plaaslike owerhede beywer hulle om gemeenskappe te vestig terwyl misdaadbekamping die SAPD se primêre doel is. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rolle van die SAPD en plaaslike owerhede in die bekamping van misdaad binne die grense van die Wynland Distrikte Munisipailteit. Ook ondersoek hierdie studie of daar vrugbare uitslae en aktiewe maatreëls in plek is om misdaad hok te slaan. Verder ondersoek die studie of gesamentlike aksies enige impak op die gemeenskap se veiligheid en sekuriteit het. Ten laaste bepaal hierdie studie of die samewerking vrugte afwerp of nie; en watter nuwe metodes aangewend kan word ter verbetering in die lig van toekomstige vraagstukke rondom misdaad. Tydens hierdie studie is 300 vraelyste versprei onder senior lede van die SAPD en plaaslike regering sowel as ander gemeenskap rolspelers. Misdaadbekamping speel „n belangrike rol in enige gemeenskap aangesien dit „n impak het op die ekonomie, handel, toerisme, ens. Dus is die verlaging van die misdaad syfer en die bou van veilige gemeenskappe elke Suid-Afrikaner se plig. Om hierdie doel te bereik, verg samemerking tussen elke vennoot, aangesien misdaadbekamping elke persoon, organisasie en regerings department se prioriteit behoort te wees. Wetgewing moedig alle rolspelers aan en in hierdie geval, SAPD en plaaslike owerhede, om die voortou te neem tydens die implementering van projekte ter bekamping van misdaad. Hierdie studie se mikpunt is om effektiewe maniere te vind om die vennootskap in misdaadbekamping op plaaslike vlak te versterk. Die uiteindelike doel is om „n positiewe bydrae te maak in die basiese behoeftes van elke gemeenskap; om veiligheid en sekuriteit deur „n standpunt van vennootskap te ondersoek en te implementeer; en sodoende „n omgee kultuur in dié Distrik te verseker. / Police Practice / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)

South Africa has been synonymous with police brutality for many years. This stigma remains till this day. The South African Police Service and the Government has tried in vain to change the image of the South African Police Service. This research was conducted to analyse the prevention of police brutality in the Western Cape, focusing on Cape Town. This will include the effects police brutality has had on the community, and the resulting breakdown of relations between the police and the community. This study will compare statistics of police brutality related incidents from South Africa with that of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Nigeria. This comparison will indicate if South Africans do suffer more brutality cases at the hands of the police or is brutality by police officers a worldwide phenomenon. The research questions that were asked during this study are if police brutality is a problem, why does police brutality occur, how does it affect the community and what can be done to prevent police brutality. This study used a mixed method of research methodology to attempt the answer the complex questions asked. This included survey questionnaires that were distributed to police officials, Community Police Forum members and the community around the Cape Town Central Business District. Semi structured interviews were held with members of the police’s departmental hearing section. Literature was also obtained regarding police brutality. Prevention of police brutality strategies from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and Nigeria were obtained to compare these strategies and determine which have been successful and could be a benefit to the South African Police Service. The current strategies the South African Police Service have also put in place will be discussed which will include legislation, white paper on safety and security, the green paper on police practice and the National Development plan 2030. Combining all the information obtained, this research will provide findings regarding the phenomenon of police brutality and possible recommendations that could assist with the prevention of police brutality. This in turn will help build a better relationship between the South African Police Service and its Citizens that they swore to protect and serve. / Criminology and Security Science / M. A. (Criminal Justice)

Summary in English and Afrikaans / Crime is unwanted in any society because it brings about fear, anger and hatred. As people living in a world of constant change, we tend to strive for innovation which this research endeavours. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and all relevant role-players become partners in the fight against not only crime, but also community problems that threaten the well-being of inhabitants. Local Government is attempting to develop communities in municipal areas and SAPS primary function is to reduce crime. If crime is one of the main obstacles in improving the quality of life, then surely government authorities must take responsibility for local safety, and who better than these two key organisations taking the lead. This study investigates the roles of SAPS and Local Government in crime prevention in the Cape Winelands District Municipality; also whether their co-operation brings about fruitful results and what interventions are actively in place. It further explores whether their integrated approach has an impact on the safety and security of local communities. Lastly, it determines whether their collaboration is effective or not; and what additional improvements can be implemented, seeking new insights for future reference. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were distributed to senior management members of the SAPS and Local Government, as well as other relative stakeholders who contribute to increasing safety. Crime reduction influences all spheres of society, for example our economy, businesses, tourism etc. Reducing crime and building safer communities must be a priority for all South Africans. To achieve this, crime prevention programmes should be initiated at community level, since crime prevention involves responding to a few priority problems, using multi-agency approaches. Government legislation and policies urge both organisations to take the lead in implementing crime prevention projects which this study discovered. This analysis is not to re-invent the wheel but to find effective ways in strengthening partnership which leads to new knowledge in the field of crime prevention at local level. One of the basic needs of any community is the need for safety and security and this study aims to assist and contribute to increase safety using an integrated approach. / Enige samelewing het „n afkeur aan misdaad omdat dit angs, haat en negatiewe emosies aanwakker. Omdat die mensdom gedurig verandering in die gesig staar, poog hierdie navorsing om nuwe idees. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie Diens (SAPD) en ander rolspelers is vennote in die bekamping van misdaad, asook probleme wat die welstand van elke gemeenskap bedreig. Plaaslike owerhede beywer hulle om gemeenskappe te vestig terwyl misdaadbekamping die SAPD se primêre doel is. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rolle van die SAPD en plaaslike owerhede in die bekamping van misdaad binne die grense van die Wynland Distrikte Munisipailteit. Ook ondersoek hierdie studie of daar vrugbare uitslae en aktiewe maatreëls in plek is om misdaad hok te slaan. Verder ondersoek die studie of gesamentlike aksies enige impak op die gemeenskap se veiligheid en sekuriteit het. Ten laaste bepaal hierdie studie of die samewerking vrugte afwerp of nie; en watter nuwe metodes aangewend kan word ter verbetering in die lig van toekomstige vraagstukke rondom misdaad. Tydens hierdie studie is 300 vraelyste versprei onder senior lede van die SAPD en plaaslike regering sowel as ander gemeenskap rolspelers. Misdaadbekamping speel „n belangrike rol in enige gemeenskap aangesien dit „n impak het op die ekonomie, handel, toerisme, ens. Dus is die verlaging van die misdaad syfer en die bou van veilige gemeenskappe elke Suid-Afrikaner se plig. Om hierdie doel te bereik, verg samemerking tussen elke vennoot, aangesien misdaadbekamping elke persoon, organisasie en regerings department se prioriteit behoort te wees. Wetgewing moedig alle rolspelers aan en in hierdie geval, SAPD en plaaslike owerhede, om die voortou te neem tydens die implementering van projekte ter bekamping van misdaad. Hierdie studie se mikpunt is om effektiewe maniere te vind om die vennootskap in misdaadbekamping op plaaslike vlak te versterk. Die uiteindelike doel is om „n positiewe bydrae te maak in die basiese behoeftes van elke gemeenskap; om veiligheid en sekuriteit deur „n standpunt van vennootskap te ondersoek en te implementeer; en sodoende „n omgee kultuur in dié Distrik te verseker. / Police Practice / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)