‘White areas’ get bulk of police resources, SAPS deployment figures show
The allocation of police personnel, resources and finance by the Department of Police is irrational and perpetuates the vicious cycle of violent crime in poor, working class and predominantly black communities, the Social Justice Coalition argues in court papers. The coalition has taken the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the office of the police minister to court over inadequate resource allocation to poor areas. As a result of its court action, the coalition has managed to access SAPS deployment figures for the entire country, which is the first time they have been made public. The figures paint a damning picture of how affluent neighbourhoods, which are mostly white, get the bulk of police resources. These are also neighbours in which private security patrols and neighbourhood watches are common features. However, poorer communities have to make do with limited police resources including inadequate infrastructure. The Social Justice Coalition’s case centres on compelling ...
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