The impact of higher education among law enforcement officers on policing effectiveness, public safety, and security in selected African states
Kennedy Kaumba Mabuku · Jeanette Smit ORCID ↗
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025 · Vol. 14 / Issue 7 · 635-642
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Abstract
The study assessed the impact of higher education on law enforcement in South Africa and other selected African states, focusing on policing effectiveness, public safety, and professional development. The study used a quantitative research approach utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 646 respondents enrolled in various policing and security programmes. The sample population was drawn from safety, security, and law enforcement sectors across South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, and index scoring. Findings reveal that officers pursue higher education primarily to improve performance, enhance critical thinking, and support career advancement within and beyond law enforcement. Higher education has a positive impact on officers, equipping them with analytical and communication skills, which fosters evidence-based problem-solving and ethical leadership, ultimately benefiting public safety and security. However, the study also highlights to a smaller extent potential drawbacks, such as creating divisions between degree-holding and non-degree-holding officers, and the risk of overemphasising analytical roles at the expense of frontline practice. Therefore, the study recommended that higher education should be made accessible to most police officers and law enforcement personnel. In addition, policies should be put forth to enhance team cohesion and mutual trust, which are critical to the effective policing of field needs, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.
Keywords: {'name': 'Higher Education'}, {'name': 'Law Enforcement'}, {'name': 'Public Safety'}, {'name': 'Security'}, {'name': 'Policing'}
Authors & affiliations
Kennedy Kaumba Mabuku
STADIO Higher Education
Jeanette Smit
STADIO Higher Education
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