An Analysis of Public Order Policing in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Background: Public order policing (POP) has attracted considerable interest from the academic community due to public protests in South Africa. This is not surprising given that it represents an important component of police work. As Africa’s democracy been maturing, democratic dispensation brought promise civil liberties and a human rights culture. Although these parallel developments prospects accountability legitimacy by African Police Service (SAPS), restoration order, especially during protests, remained challenge for SAPS. Purpose: The objectives this research were threefold: explore role POP unit; its capacity respond protests; determine effectiveness integrated interventions relevant stakeholders restore engagement order. Methods: A qualitative approach employing semi-structured interviews was utilised. To understand purposeful sampling utilised select 25 participants comprising members, municipal officials, members. These selected since they are directly involved either responding or being part therefore envisaged their contribution would assist understanding how responded to. Conclusion: findings indicate when units mandated fulfil goals effective, disruptions minimised destructive consequences those do occur contained. results illustrate necessitates regenerating characterised low expectations violence heightened respect rights. Recommendations: article recommends collaboration with unit must adequately maintenance safety security protests. should enhance current strategies be able deal anticipated disorder, improvement intelligence-gathering process plan properly, adequate proper training facilities, reviewing updating manuals, methods based on lessons learned best practices ensure relevant. members undergo regular in-service maintain fitness levels, standards, proficiency, competencies.