CHAPTER 3 THE THEORETICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3.1 Introduction
3.2 Theoretical framework
3.3.2 Key Concepts and Principles of systems theory
Building on the tenets, the key concepts and principles of the systems theory are form on an idea of what a system is.) A system is regarded as a set of units interacting with one another and have a relationship among each other. Similarly, van Gigch (1991) describe a system as an assembly, alternative to a set of interrelated elements.
Common and inherent in these two definitions are the core elements of the systems theory, which include sense of interconnection and interdependency of the elements:
feedback loops and dynamics, emergence, and self-organisation as well as systems thinking and holistic view of problem solving.
3.3.2.1 Organisational aspects
The influence of the internal professional environment on the fulfilment of the police role is an important determinant of style. Police institutions and also the South African Police are considered typical bureaucratic institutions. The dysfunctional flaws of this organisational system give rise to frustrations and unsatisfied needs on the one hand, morale is adversely affected, and the police officer may be less inclined to the positive aspects of his role and may see the strict adhere to legal style. On the other hand, the internalisation of rules and regulations aimed at realizing the institutional objective with greater efficiency gives rise to the displacement of objectives and the priority overemphasis of certain functions.
41 Figure 3.2: Illustration of the systems theory Source: Own compilation
For example, personnel charged with the primary objective of crime prevention are often withdrawn to perform other secondary functions, with the accompanying decrease in the protection function (Van Heerden 1994:116-118).
3.3.2.2 Institutional policies
Institutional policy establishes guidelines for achieving the objective and largely determines the policing style. If reactive policing (law enforcement) is preferred, it can be assumed that the legal style will be preferred over the vigilante or service style. In this respect, knowledge of previous research findings is important. Botha (1988:72) emphasizes the important influence of government or political policy on police policy (institutional policy) and more specifically the influence of political policy on the way the police task is carried out at the lowest functional level. A telling example is Du Preez's (2010:66) reference to the Flag era in South Africa, which was characterised by efforts to improve police-community relations in the RSA. Notwithstanding the relevancy of the systems theory, the next section presents the critics of the systems theory.
Feedbackloop -restrategization Low crime levels (Safe and secure environment for citizens
Input trasnformation
stage Huamn
resources (Metro police
officers
Organizational aspects
Institutional policies
Outcome
Feedbackloop -restrategization
42 3.3.3 Relevancy of the systems theory
Application of systems theory to crime prevention and law enforcement mandate in South Africa is explained through two approaches. The first approach is teleological which is defined by Infante, Rancer and Womack (1997) as a journey one seeks to achieve a goal. That journey alone is not sufficient; therefore, there is a need interaction of various elements to form a whole. With this approach, the interactions of various elements that makes up a system are necessary towards a desired goal. We therefore need to understand this interrelatedness in conjunction with the systems goals, and the endeavour to reach those goals. The second approach to applying system theory is homeostasis. According to this approach, systems are characterised by their continued effort to create a state of balance. Basically, systems are in continuous effort to attain state of equilibrium.
Within communications literature, researchers continuously study systems to comprehend the interaction of various elements, and ultimately how that interaction contribute to the outcome. The outcome is the intended goal. Likewise, with crime prevention and law enforcement literature, there is a need for interaction of various elements within these complex systems of police force. The mandate and responsibilities of MPS in fighting crime and enforcing the by-laws need various elements through resources- vehicles, equipment and human element, stakeholders, policies that should and are interrelated with one another through transformation stage towards desired outcome. The desired outcome in this instance is safe and secure environment. This would imply low crime levels and law-abiding citizens, which in line with this approach is the desired state of equilibrium needed by the society. At the core of this interaction and desire for the state of balance is the need to understand this complex system. Ideally, there is a need to understand the antecedents to crime and offences, the consequences of such, the social and environmental factors contributing to this situation and most importantly leveraging intentions strategies to change the status quo and bring it to the point of balance. It is on this basis the systems theory finds its relevance to the study, as the objectives of the study are aligned to exploring the mandate of MPDs, with reference to the TMPD. This exploration is undertaken whilst understanding that metro police officers’ function in a complex system characterised by multiple legislative frameworks, institutional policies, organisational culture, and ever-changing political landscape amongst other factors.
43 3.3.4 Critics of the system theory
The potential challenges associated with the application of the systems theory to crime prevention in South Africa relates to the issue of limited resources and capacity for systemic interventions, which is a known problem for most of the municipalities including the SAPS. There is also an issue of resistance to change and entrenched power dynamics in most of organisations and this is in contradiction with systems theory’s philosophy. The success of the systems theory is premised on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy coherence, which proves not be the case for law enforcement fraternity.