Policing for a New South Africa

Synopsis

The state police force of South Africa has acquired massive notoriety since its formation. Its officers have developed a reputation for routinely provoking violence and torturing suspects. As the key bastion of apartheid it is in urgent need of change. In Policing for a New South Africa Mike Brogden and Clifford Shearing evaluate the options for change. They critically analyse orthodox policing ideas imported from the West and contrast them with the indigenous model of independent policing from the townships of South Africa itself. Together they offer significant possibilities for the future. Importantly they suggest that rather than South Africans import ideas wholesale from the West, the latter countries, in the light of the failures of their own police systems have much to learn from South Africa.