Policing across divides: a comparative study of police practices in Nyanga and Sea Point

This master's thesis presents a comparative analysis of police practices in two socio-economic areas of Cape Town, South Africa: Nyanga and Sea Point. The study explores how socio-economic status and crime burden influence policing strategies and how these factors contribute to reinforcing or alleviating social inequalities. The research utilises a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews with police officers provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. The study finds that policing practices in Nyanga, an area characterised by low socio-economic status and high crime rates, are predominantly reactive, with a strong focus on crime suppression. While addressing immediate safety concerns, this approach inadvertently perpetuates a cycle of mistrust and alienation between the police and the community. In contrast, in Sea Point, an area with higher socio-economic status and lower crime rates, policing is more proactive and community-oriented. This strategy fosters a positive relationship between the police and the residents, enhancing trust and cooperation. The thesis demonstrates that socio-economic factors and crime burden indirectly influence policing practices by affecting crime patterns and community-police relations. The findings emphasise the necessity of a more comprehensive approach to policing that takes into account underlying socio-economic factors and prioritises community engagement, particularly in areas with higher crime rates and lower socio-economic status. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on policing and social inequality. It provides insights into how different approaches can either mitigate or exacerbate the underlying socio-economic disparities within urban communities.

Grantor

Department of Public Law

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Schick, Cornelius Georg

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kinnes, Irvin

• public law

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41337

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/41337