Perceptions of communities on the dysfunctions and ineffectiveness of criminal justice system in the Durban central cluster
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Date
2018
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the community perceptions on the dysfunctions and ineffectiveness prevailing in the criminal justice system in the Durban Central Cluster area. Five different methods have been used to test the current perceptions of the community on the entire spectrum of departments falling under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Justice System. An empirical exit interview with clients from the Community Service Centre was conducted at four police stations. Most answers were positive except for when the respondents had to answer questions on corruption and the fact that the police have not been fair and independent in the dispensation of justice.
The second method was to study newspaper reports circulated in Durban over a two-year comparative period. Most reports were positive in favour of all departments in the CJS. Contrary to the popular belief that the media was biased and negative towards the CJS, the total negative stories or articles accounted for less than seven percent.
The third aspect that was examined was to test the opinion of twelve prosecutors as a focus group to test their perceptions of the police, courts and correctional services. The results showed that the investigators were overburdened and hence did not, in many cases, pay proper attention to the finer details of investigation techniques. There exists a very good relationship with all departments in the CJS and they collectively participate in many forums to settle problematic issues.
A case docket holds the entire history of the sequence of investigations and the evidence and this was the fourth aspect that was researched. The research audit team concluded that it was clear that the cases under investigation were given the necessary attention with differing levels of diligence, competency and success. There was however room for improvement.
The last aspect was the research into the complaints by members of the public into poor service at grassroot level of operational members of SAPS. After the complaints were recorded and investigated, the majority of complainants were satisfied with the outcome.
In the final analysis, it would appear that the CJS enjoys some support from the community but there are also clear areas for improvement with regards to efficiency and effectiveness.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Public Administration in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2018.
Keywords
Criminal Justice System, Community Service Centre