The South African Police

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The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) states that the South African Police Service has a responsibility to -

• prevent, combat and investigate crime;

• maintain public order;

• protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; and

• uphold and enforce the law.

• create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa.

• prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community

• investigate any crimes that threaten the safety or security of any community

• ensure criminals are brought to justice; and

• participation in efforts to address the causes of crime.

To fulfil in the Mission of the South African Police Service, all the members are subjected to a Code of Conduct.

The official Code of Conduct of the South African Police Service was introduced on 31 October 1997. The Code of Conduct is a written undertaking which each member of the South African Police Service is obliged to uphold, in order to bring about a safe and secure environment for all people of South Africa. Every member of the South African Police Service must make the Code of Conduct part of their code of life, principles and values.

South African Police Service Code of Conduct

I commit myself to creating a safe and secure environment for all people
in South Africa by –

participating in endeavours aimed at addressing the causes of crime;
preventing all acts which may threaten the safety or security of any community; and
investigating criminal conduct which endangers the safety or security of the community
and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

In carrying out this commitment, I shall at all times –
uphold the Constitution and the law;
take into account the needs of the community;
recognize the needs of the South African Police Service as my employer; and
cooperate with all interested parties in the community and the government at every level.

In order to achieve a safe and secure environment for all the people of South Africa
I undertake to –
act with integrity in rendering an effective service of a high standard which is accessible to
everybody, and continuously strive towards improving this service;
utilize all available resources responsibly, efficiently and cost-effectively to optimize their use;
develop my own skills and contribute towards the development of those of my colleagues to ensure equal opportunities for all;
contribute to the reconstruction and development of, and reconciliation in our country;
uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person;
act in a manner that is impartial, courteous, honest, respectful, transparent and accountable;
exercise the powers conferred upon me in a responsible and controlled manner; and
work towards preventing any form of corruption and to bring the perpetrators thereof to justice.

The questions we are asking are these!

What about the corrupt Police Officers?
Does this undertaking that they are supposed to adhere to really mean anything to them?
What do the loyal, dedicated and decent Police Officers think about their bad Colleagues?
Do they not understand that the actions of bad officers have an impact on their reputation as a whole?
Does the South African public have any faith in their police service?