Compromised policing: An evaluation of the criteria used to appoint police commissioners in South Africa

ABSTRACT The police agency is an important institution that deals with the safety and security of the inhabitants of the country and with corrupt practices that affect the fiscal and public morale. That is why the appointment of an independent police commissioner, who executes his/her mandate without any fear or favour, is critical. In this study, an analysis of documents on the appointment of police commissioners in South Africa was conducted. After four successive police commissioners failed to complete their tenure because of either corruption or incompetence, this study is an attempt to determine the suitable criteria that can be used to appoint a suitable commissioner. Due to geopolitics of different countries, there is no ideal method that guarantees the appointment of a suitable police commissioner, whose office is insulated from unwarranted external influence to guarantee its integrity and public trust in the police department. It is evident that the appropriateness of the appointment method is determined by the values and democratic maturity of each country. Irrespective of the method used, there is a need for such a method to be fortified by objective appointment criteria that guarantees the capability, skilfulness, integrity, honesty and professionalism of the person appointed.