Poor Leadership and Its Impact on Police Performance in the Tshwane Police Precinct, South Africa

Abstract

Despite the positive reception of the report highlighting a decline in crime, South Africa still grapples with a significant crime rate, particularly concerning violent crimes. This reality hinders the government's aim for citizens to feel secure in their homes, educational institutions, and workplaces, and to participate in community life without fear. This situation is indicative of the police's subpar performance, which could be a result of ineffective leadership. This study described the relationship between poor leadership and poor performance within the South African Police Services (SAPS) statistically.  A quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. The population included male and female police officers of all ages representing different ranks from 14 police stations within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Data were collected from 182 police officials sampled through a probability cluster sampling strategy using self-administered questionnaires. Univariate analysis, frequency distribution in particular, was used to analyse the data. This study found that 31% strongly disagreed and 66% disagreed, while only 2% agreed and 1% strongly agreed that they had an opportunity to participate when decisions are made where they are stationed and that enhances their work performance. 26% strongly disagreed, and 70% disagreed, while only 2% agreed and 1% strongly agreed that their supervisors in the SAPS were unbiased and treated every employee fairly and that this enhanced their work performance. 34% strongly disagreed and 58% disagreed, while only 3% were uncertain and 4% agreed that the existing leadership style in the SAPS where they were stationed motivated employees to strive to attain a high level of performance. It is recommended that compulsory leadership training should be provided to all those in leadership and management positions across all police stations to upgrade their leadership and management skills. It is further recommended that the SAPS establish and constantly monitor an early warning system to detect any act that may amount to poor leadership. Recommendations for further study are also made.