Publication

This article argues that widespread police abuse in South Africa stems from a failure of the police reform initiative to establish effective systems for internal control. It highlights how the South African Police Services (SAPS) has not identified problematic officers or used the internal disciplinary system to correct their behavior. This article explores the reasons for this and the failure of the external structures for police accountability to identify and respond to this challenge. It concludes with suggestions for external oversight structures to contribute to the strengthening of internal police systems.