Publication

This paper discusses the strengthening of police accountability systems in South Africa. It argues that the difference between police agencies under democracies as opposed to autocratic governance is the nature and extent of their accountability. The author explores the role of police accountability through external and internal mechanisms and discusses police accountability systems in South Africa, such as annual reports, oversight committees and disciplinary mechanisms. The paper discusses steps to strengthen police accountability by increasing the coordination between police services and oversight structures, and reviewing public complaints.