RE-ESTABLISHING A RAILWAY POLICING CAPACITY

Abstract

An efficient integrated transport system is a vital component for South Africa as it continues to become increasingly integrated socially, politically, and economically. Recognised is the role of provincial and national railways as gateways, both into remote and urban communities and between provinces. This paper examines the dissolution of the South African Railway Police Force (SARPF) and transfer of police officials. The paper approaches this issue primarily, although not exclusively, through the prism of restructuring, and if had had the intended effect. It briefly describes the background and changes in the demand for and role of the Rapid Rail Police Unit (RRPU) in the Western Cape Province, as well as the subsequent developments in the railway environment. The method used in collecting data was semi-structured interviews. The non-probability sampling based on the purposive method was used to select the twenty (20) participants comprised of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Protection and Security Services (PRASA PSS), the SAPS officials, as well as commuters. A summary of the main data categories and the sub-categories is presented in the form of themes. Three themes emerged from the final synthesis of the findings, namely: (1) RRPU not structured as a specialised unit; (2) there is need for detective and crime intelligence capacity within the Railway police; and (3) there is a need for structuring of a detective and crime intelligence capacity. Amongst other aspects, a fundamental change in the way the Railway Police functions needed a paradigm shift, as well as, extraordinarily effective management and operating from a basis of knowledge of what works and what does not within the railway environment. It was concluded that there is a need for a detective and crime intelligence capacity to guide future strategic decisions by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Top Management regarding policing railway environment.

Keywords

• Crime, Railway Police, Victimisation