Beyond Police Service reform

A generally demoralised service will neither be committed nor functional nor effective. We may begin by instituting a transparent system of reward for merit, competence and outstanding effort and simultaneously an effective system of sanctions for non-performance, indiscipline and corruption.

A programme of public recognition of merit and excellence among the ranks may motivate others to lift their game and standard and could be the turning of the tide of public perception.

At the same time, there is nothing to erode morale more than the knowledge that incompetence and indifferent performance at whatever rank is rewarded and illicit activity and criminal behaviour condoned.

However, it is common knowledge that a properly functional and effective Police Service is certainly not sufficient to curb crime in the country in the longer term. The prospects for a sustainable reduction of crime in the future will depend on whether a host of issues are effectively addressed. Six years ago, I wrote as follows: “…There is the matter of the efficiency of the judicial system, the inability to target the source of the trade in drugs and illegal arms, the politicisation of the Police Service, the soft stance against white-collar crime and corruption, and the general tendency of lawlessness in the society which includes the circumvention of laws, the deficiency of the education system and the pervasive get-quick-rich mentality by whatever means fair or foul.

“In addition to the above, there is the insidious adherence to a misguided macho culture by many young people in which one’s manhood (and womanhood) has to be proven by, among other things, violent and criminal activity, particularly with the use of firearms.” In addition, there are larger societal issues to be confronted. Many years ago, I noted as follows: “Of great significance is the socialisation process at the level of community, including homes, religious institutions and schools. Many of those who engage in criminal activity come from broken or single-parent families. “We have a vast array of social intervention programmes, but how many are geared to assisting families in curbing the tendency to crime? It will be through programmes of empowerment, both economic and psychological, and the involvement and support of community organisations, that perhaps we can see a way forward.

“The inculcation of basic values such as sanctity of life, respect for the rule of law, for authority and for the person and property of others, fear of consequences of criminal activity, honesty, helpfulness and compassion.

These values have to be instilled from an early age, hence the seminal socialisation role of family, school and community organisations.

“Since the majority of those engaged in criminal activities are dropouts from the education system, we must enquire as to how the system could be revamped to incorporate these elements in longer-term schooling. “We have to empower individuals and communities in order to reduce their vulnerability to the lure of criminality and it will not be done by taking the easy route of giving handouts and temporary relief.

Palliatives will not deal with the root cause of the problem. Among the youth we have to develop a sense of community and a commitment to service. Therefore a national programme of service focused on the communities should be established.

“Crime against person and property will not be reduced if we continue to evade the issues of white-collar crime and corruption.

If corporate executives are seen to be engaged in mult i-mi l - lion-dollar frauds with impuni t y, then a signal is given to others that crime can go unpunished.”