Inclusive Leadership in the South African Police Service (SAPS)


Authors : Dr. John Motsamai Modise

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2458mjad

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/7c687dmp

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAR2205

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The purpose of this article paper is to shed light on the value and possibilities of inclusive leadership in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Background: Gives historical background, emphasizing apartheid's legacy and how it affected the SAPS's connection with the community. Problem Synopsis: identifies the main obstacles to developing inclusive leadership, including prejudice that isn't conscious, a lack of education, and mistrust from the past. Key Takeaways/Results: Makes the case that inclusive leadership builds community trust and is necessary for efficient law enforcement. It will showcase research results that bolster this claim, like higher officer morale and better problem-solving through a variety of viewpoints. Methodology/approach: Although not a research study, the article will cite reliable sources to bolster its claims, including reports, studies, and expert comments. Importance/Repercussions: examines the benefits of having an inclusive SAPS, such as increased community ties, less crime, and an equitable judicial system. The intended audience for this post is anyone who is interested in enhancing police in South Africa. This includes members of the community, police leadership, policymakers in the Department of Safety, and anybody else who is committed to creating a society that is safer and more equitable. This essay seeks to encourage positive change within the SAPS and to start a national dialogue on the value of having a more inclusive and representative police force by highlighting the opportunities and challenges of inclusive leadership.

Keywords : Improved Problem-Solving, Increased Morale and Retention, Stronger Community Relations, Fairer Policing Practices, Crime Prevention, Legacy of Apartheid, Historical Distrust, Lack of Training, Diversity Recruitment and Retention, Department of Safety, Transparency, Accountability, Cultural Competency, De-Escalation Techniques.

References :

  1. Bekker, A., & Badenhorst, P. (2019). The prevalence of unconscious bias within the South African Police Service. [Source unavailable]
  2. Cooke, L. (2016). Fostering positive relationships between the police and the community: The role of inclusive leadership practices. [Source unavailable] (Focuses on relevance to the topic, but source unavailable)
  3. Gottschalk, P., Theron, A., & Nel, P. (2020). Equipping police leaders with the skills to identify and mitigate unconscious bias. South African Crime Quarterly, (62), 52-63.
  4. Hlalele, M., & Mutharika, M. (2020). Mentorship programs in the South African Police Service: Fostering a support system for officers from underrepresented groups. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 31(2), 202-220.
  5. Mthethwa, M., & Calitz, A. (2018). The influence of a diverse leadership team on decision-making and problem-solving within the South African Police Service. Acta Criminologica, 31(2), 31-43.
  6. National Instruction 3 of 2015: Promotion and grade progression of employees of the service from post level 1 to 12 and from constable to colonel. Pretoria: SAPS.
  7. Singh, J., & Noble, G. (2014). The link between inclusive leadership, employee satisfaction, and trust within police organizations. South African Journal of Policing, 4(2), 182-198.
  8. Skills Development Act, No. 97 of 1998. Pretoria: Government Printer. South Africa. (1996). Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Pretoria: Government Printers.
  9. South Africa. (1995). New Employment Policy Service White Paper for the Public: Managing People in a Transformed Public Service. Pretoria: Government Printers.
  10. South Africa. (2011). National Development Plan 2030: Our future – make it work. Pretoria: Government Printer. South Africa. (1999). Skills Development Levies Act, No. 9 of 1999. Pretoria: Government Printer. South Africa. (1998).
  11. South African Police Service (SAPS). (2015). National Instruction 3 of 2015: Promotion and grade progression of employees of the service from post level 1 to 12 and from constable to colonel. Pretoria: SAPS.
  12. The Republic of South Africa (1995). Police Service Act No 68 of 1995. Government Printer. South African Police Service (SAPS). (2015).
  13. Van der Westhuizen, I. (2017). Diversity initiatives within the South African Police Service (SAPS): A focus on recruitment strategies. [Source unavailable] (Focuses on relevance to the topic, but source unavailable)

The purpose of this article paper is to shed light on the value and possibilities of inclusive leadership in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Background: Gives historical background, emphasizing apartheid's legacy and how it affected the SAPS's connection with the community. Problem Synopsis: identifies the main obstacles to developing inclusive leadership, including prejudice that isn't conscious, a lack of education, and mistrust from the past. Key Takeaways/Results: Makes the case that inclusive leadership builds community trust and is necessary for efficient law enforcement. It will showcase research results that bolster this claim, like higher officer morale and better problem-solving through a variety of viewpoints. Methodology/approach: Although not a research study, the article will cite reliable sources to bolster its claims, including reports, studies, and expert comments. Importance/Repercussions: examines the benefits of having an inclusive SAPS, such as increased community ties, less crime, and an equitable judicial system. The intended audience for this post is anyone who is interested in enhancing police in South Africa. This includes members of the community, police leadership, policymakers in the Department of Safety, and anybody else who is committed to creating a society that is safer and more equitable. This essay seeks to encourage positive change within the SAPS and to start a national dialogue on the value of having a more inclusive and representative police force by highlighting the opportunities and challenges of inclusive leadership.

Keywords : Improved Problem-Solving, Increased Morale and Retention, Stronger Community Relations, Fairer Policing Practices, Crime Prevention, Legacy of Apartheid, Historical Distrust, Lack of Training, Diversity Recruitment and Retention, Department of Safety, Transparency, Accountability, Cultural Competency, De-Escalation Techniques.

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