Developing a model to improve service delivery regarding the monitoring of policing conduct
Date
2005-12
Authors
Bardien, Zubaida
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to develop a new model to improve service delivery regarding the monitoring of policing conduct.
A comparative study of international civilian oversight bodies dealing with complaints against the police will be conducted to develop and implement an appropriate model to replace the current referral model with an investigative monitoring system to improve processes that ensure that the police remain accountable for their performance and conduct. The research design will both encompass model building and comparative studies.
The basis of the theoretical framework of this thesis is service delivery which is the significance of developing a new model for the Policing Complaints Centre. Service delivery is dealt with in terms of the service industry and service processes, its functioning regarding problem solving, finance and accountability, the challenges facing service delivery and the basic principles and values governing public administration and the role and function of the Public Service Commission.
The Legislative Framework for Monitoring Policing Conduct is stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 and the South African Police Service Act, Act 68 of 1995. This includes the policing functions vested in the Provinces and particularly the mandate of the Policing Complaints Centre in terms of the monitoring policing conduct as well as the limitations set on the provinces. Independent Police Complaints Commission of the United Kingdom. These models will be used because both these civilian oversight bodies operate independently from the policing agencies and therefore the credibility and integrity of the complaints model will be upheld.
The main objectives of the new model will be to address the issues of the complainants and provide feedback as soon as possible to the complainants so that public confidence and trust in the police and in the complaints system of the Department can be increased.
The new model will concentrate on a different method of dealing with complaints in that all complaints will firstly be evaluated to ascertain whether it is an inquiry or if it is a complaint. If is an enquiry it will be referred to the relevant authority and if it is a complaint it must be decided if an investigation will be conducted, or if an intervention in the form of a formal mediation or informal mediation must take place or in the monitoring of an investigation/inquiry.
It has been recommended that the new complaints model and the database management system be implemented to ascertain whether this new model is keeping the police accountable for their performance and conduct.
Description
Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Police -- Complaints against -- South Africa, Community policing -- South Africa, Dissertations -- Public management and planning, Theses -- Public management and planning, Police conduct -- South Africa