The transformative potential of evidence-based policing was at the heart of discussions at the Evidence-Based Policing South Africa Conference, held in Cape Town on 28 November 2024. Bringing together police, researchers, practitioners and policymakers, the conference explored strategies to reduce crime and improve public safety.
Evidence-based policing (EBP) is an approach that integrates research findings, data analysis and scientific methods into policing practices to identify what works best in preventing and addressing crime. Instead of relying on tradition or instinct, EBP uses rigorous evidence to inform decision-making, ensuring that law enforcement efforts are both effective and efficient.
The keynote address was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Mmamabolo of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who leads a subsection dedicated to developing specialised and tactical strategies to enhance street-level policing.
She outlined the achievements and challenges of implementing EBP in South Africa, emphasizing its potential to transform law enforcement. “This initiative aligns with our vision of creating safer and more resilient communities in South Africa,” Mmamabolo stated, underscoring the need to move from reactive policing to proactive, research-informed approaches.
She traced the origins of evidence-based policing in South Africa from 2021, when SAPS launched pilot programs in 12 stations across three provinces. These pilots, she said, provided crucial insights into how data-driven strategies could be implemented on a larger scale.
While the pilots highlighted the potential of evidence-based policing, they also revealed obstacles, including unclear communication, inconsistent engagement and frequent management changes. Mmamabolo was candid about these challenges but stressed their value in shaping future initiatives.
“The pilots emphasised the need for thorough preparation, either through constant meetings or briefing sessions between researchers and stations, to ensure common understanding and that operational members understand what is expected of them,” she explained.
Mmamabolo shared examples of recent successes in high-crime areas like Khayelitsha, Delft and Nyanga, where partnerships with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) tested innovative crime-prevention methods. For instance, shorter, unpredictable patrols helped reduce violent crime while also deterring potential offenders.
Looking forward, Mmamabolo announced that evidence-based policing would be integrated into SAPS’s strategic plans for 2025–2030. The phased rollout will begin in the Western Cape next year, with plans to expand nationwide. To prioritise resources more effectively, SAPS is also developing a Crime Harm Index that focuses on crimes with the highest societal impact.
“An important message that we as the South African Police Service take from our evidence-based colleagues is that policing is not an exclusive responsibility, but rather inclusive of the whole civil society,” Mmamabolo concluded, urging researchers, community leaders and civil society to work together in creating sustainable solutions.
The conference featured several expert presentations that broadened the conversation about evidence-based crime prevention. Professor Gregory Breetzke emphasized the importance of spatial analysis in understanding crime patterns. His research revealed that crime often clusters in specific neighbourhoods or even individual streets, challenging the perception of its widespread distribution. However, he noted that South Africa’s crime mapping efforts face significant challenges, including outdated data systems and a lack of granularity. “Addressing these gaps is essential to understanding and preventing crime effectively,” Breetzke argued.
Professor Tshimangadzo Magadze brought attention to rural crime prevention, highlighting how theories like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are often tailored to urban contexts and neglect rural areas. He discussed how poor infrastructure, lack of lighting and inadequate police presence contribute to rural crime and called for innovative solutions such as drones, community education and infrastructural improvements like defensible space designs. Magadze also emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in these efforts to ensure sustainability.
Dr Guy Lamb’s presentation shed light on the complex dynamics of policing spaza shops, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations. His research revealed that community-driven efforts often outperform traditional policing in reducing tensions and violence in these spaces. Lamb pointed out that xenophobic violence, extortion and mistrust of law enforcement remain significant challenges, but building trust between police, shop owners and local communities could help address these issues more effectively.
Another critical topic was Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robberies, which Dr Alice Maree highlighted as a growing threat to South Africa’s economy and public safety. Maree presented an analysis of CIT crime patterns and prevention strategies, including cross-industry collaborations, technology upgrades and vehicle modifications. While she reported some success in reducing incidents and increasing convictions, she called for the creation of a national CIT task team to better combat organised crime syndicates responsible for these robberies.
Dr John Modise stressed the importance of a unified approach to combating violent crime. He called for stronger coordination among SAPS, local governments, private security companies and community structures. Collaboration, he says, is essential not just to respond to crime but to address its root causes, such as poverty, drug abuse and social inequality. Modise advocated for targeted interventions focused on youth and vulnerable populations, as well as evidence-based strategies to guide resource allocation and policymaking.
The Evidence-Based Policing South Africa Conference underscored the potential of data-driven strategies to reshape South African law enforcement. As Mmamabolo reminded the audience, collaboration and shared responsibility can transform the future of policing in South Africa.
