Police visibility, crime reduction and community trust: Evidence from hot spot Policing in selected Tembisa townships

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of police visibility in reducing crime and enhancing community trust in the police within the selected area in Tembisa township, South Africa. Guided by Rational choice theory to explain how the presence of police visibility alters cost-benefit analysis by increasing the risk of detection and apprehension.  A mixed-method approach was employed; qualitative data were collected using structured interviews with 151 participants, including police officers, community policing forum members and community residents, while quantitative data were gathered using paper-based questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative responses. The findings indicate that police visibility in identified crime hot spots was frequent and unpredictable, implemented through strategies such as roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, random night patrols, and escorting commuters to taxi ranks during early morning hours. Participants reported a notable reduction in street and violent crime, accompanied by improved perceptions of safety and increased community trust in the police. However, challenges including over-policing, internal misconduct and poor professionalism, such as officers soliciting money during patrols, undermined trust in some areas. the study recommends strengthening hot-spot policing through increased personnel, improved oversight, and the use of body-worn cameras for urgent government investment in police operations. 

Keywords: {'name': 'Police visibility'}, {'name': 'Community trust'}, {'name': 'crime reduction'}, {'name': 'Hot spot policing'}, {'name': 'Tembisa'}

Authors & affiliations

Thompho Tshivhase
University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; University of Fort Hare

Kabelo Mmola
University of Fort Hare

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