An exploration of crime combatting strategies in providing safety and security services with the city of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department

Abstract

This study was conducted in the City of Johannesburg at (JMPD and GFIS). The study involved 20 JMPD and 20 GFIS members. The respondents were categorised as top, middle management, commander, supervisory and operational level. The research aimed to explore the crime combatting strategies in providing safety and security services with the city of Johannesburg metropolitan police department. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire had open-ended questions (bringing a qualitative element) and closed-ended questions (bringing quantitative element). This study sought to answer the following research questions: • To identify the challenges that hinder effective municipal service delivery such as law enforcement by metropolitan police officers in the Inner City. • To examine the functions and authority needed by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department to effectively and efficiently combat crimes such property hijackings, illicit water and electricity connections, and land uses. • To explore legislative provisions for the establishment of Municipal Police Service. • To analyse resources and facilities to enable the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department to help in effective crime combating mandate. • To examine the fundamental factors that lead to inner-city property hijacking.