Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technological Innovations in Policing and Crime Prevention in Urban Areas of Mbombela Municipality, Mpumalanga Province
In the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of new technologies in policing and crime prevention strategies around the globe. These new tools offer hope for better law enforcement, increased public safety, and reduced crime. The integration of technological innovations in policing has reshaped crime prevention strategies worldwide, offering promising avenues for enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. However, within the South African context, particularly in less-studied municipalities such as Mbombela, the practical effectiveness, challenges, and perceptions surrounding these technologies remain insufficiently explored. This research addresses this critical gap by evaluating how effectively technological tools are being utilised for crime prevention and policing in the urban areas of Mbombela Municipality in Mpumalanga Province. The study adopted a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with police officers of varying ranks and backgrounds. Thematic analysis of participant responses revealed that technologies such as the SAPS mobile app, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and the Crime Administration System (CAS) are in use, but their effectiveness is significantly hindered by infrastructural deficits, limited training, and resource constraints. Moreover, while participants generally supported the potential of technology to deter crime and enhance response, concerns around data security, public trust, and system reliability emerged strongly. The findings highlight the need for targeted investment in technological infrastructure, training, and community engagement to maximise the utility of these innovations. Policy interventions must be localised and responsive to the socio-economic and logistical realities of under-resourced urban settings. The study contributes to both academic discourse and practical policymaking by offering context-specific insights into the nuanced dynamics of digital policing in South Africa.
Law enforcement, Technological innovations, Policing, Crime prevention, UCTD
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