Police corruption: what is the plan?

Abstract

Since the closure of the SAPS anticorruption unit in 2003, SAPS management have yet to operationalise a plan to address police corruption. The past decade has produced a substantial amount of research on the perceptions and likely causes of and preventive strategies for police corruption. This article compares findings of research projects undertaken in Gauteng between 2004 and 2009 in order to identify commonalities, differences and potential strategic gaps. Findings showed similarities in perception regarding corruption and a “code of silence” among police officials, some doubt regarding the rules and regulations within the SAPS as well as likely causes of and preventive measures for corruption.