Policing for democracy?: the case of the Public Order Police Unit in Durban/ created by Monique Marks

This article examines the role of the State police in the democratization process in South Africa. A historical survey of policing in Africa is followed by an analysis of the relationship between changes in the nature of the State and changes within the police. The author argues that shifts towards democratization have led to increased civilian participation and control in policing, as well as a reduction in the legitimacy of the use of force. The South African government realized that transition to democracy could not be successful without substantial change in the South African police. In fact, the roots of community policing emerged as soon as President De Klerk unbanned political organizations in Febuary 1990. In 1995, a new, highly centralized police unit was created, the Public Order Police Unit. The author explores, on the basis of interviews, how members of POPU in Durban view the transformation process, as well as their role in creating a safe and secure public order in South Africa.