Policing and Boundaries in a Violent Society: A South African Case Study

This book explores how social and territorial boundaries have influenced the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and introduces the concept of "police frontierism" to understand the relationships between the police, policing, and boundaries. It argues that poor economic conditions, increased militarization of the SAPS, and decline in public trust in the police will result in boundaries continuing to fundamentally inform police work in South Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between social and territorial boundaries and the South Africa Police Service (SAPS). Through a comprehensive historical analysis of South Africa, it introduces a novel concept called "police frontierism," which sheds light on the complex relationships between the police, policing, and boundaries. This concept holds great potential for future case study research in the field.

The book meticulously explores how social and territorial boundaries have exerted a profound influence on police practices and behavior in South Africa. It uncovers how social delineations exacerbate and distort existing police prejudices against communities on the other side of these boundaries. By focusing on cases of high-density police operations, public-order policing, and the recent policing of the COVID-19 lockdown, the book makes a compelling argument that poor economic conditions, coupled with an increased militarization of the SAPS, and a decline in public trust in the police, will continue to shape the boundaries that fundamentally inform police work in South Africa.

This book appeals to scholars and students with a keen interest in policing in post-colonial societies characterized by high levels of violence, as well as in the broader aspects of police work and police militarization. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape police practices and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in navigating the complex terrain of social and territorial boundaries.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367748159