Beyond crime statistics: Rethinking police performance for effective public governance <b></b>
Phillip Vuma
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025 · Vol. 14 / Issue 7 · 653-657
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Abstract
This article challenges the widespread reliance on murder rates as the primary indicator of police performance, particularly within high-crime contexts. It critically evaluates the limitations of such a narrow metric and argues for a holistic, evidence-based framework aligned with principles of effective public governance. Drawing on international case studies, socio-economic data, and institutional analyses, the article proposes alternative metrics such as community trust, crime prevention outcomes, and organisational accountability. The findings and recommendations contribute to public management discourse by offering a nuanced model for evaluating law enforcement performance beyond conventional crime statistics.
Keywords: {'name': 'police performance, murder rates, community policing, police accountability, crime prevention, South African Police Service'}
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Phillip Vuma
STADIO
Deposited references
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Mthembu, T. G., & Daw, M. (2023). Exploring the high murder rate in South Africa. Journal of Criminal Justice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.101945
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