The idea of policing, at its core, was never meant to inspire fear. When the first modern police force was established in 1829 in London, it was built on a simple philosophy: the police are the public, and the public are the police. Its primary function was to maintain order, prevent crime, and serve communities, not dominate them. Yet, over time, policing systems across the world have drifted from this foundational principle, often becoming instruments of control in the hands of those in power.
From colonial administrations to modern nation states, police institutions have too frequently been deployed as tools of oppression. In many countries, especially those with histories of authoritarian rule or fragile democratic institutions, law enforcement has been used to silence dissent, intimidate opposition, and enforce unjust policies. Even at national levels, policing has not always served the people, it has often served the powers that be.
This troubling evolution is compounded by chronic mismanagement and neglect. In many regions, the police force, arguably one of the most critical pillars of society, has been left to decay. Officers operate under conditions that are not only demoralizing but also dangerous. Poor remuneration forces many to procure basic operational necessities from their already meagre wages. Uniforms, equipment, and even essential kitties are often self funded, creating a system where survival, rather than service, becomes the priority.
Accommodation is frequently substandard, with officers and their families living in conditions unfit for dignity, let alone effective public service. Police stations themselves are often in disrepair, crumbling buildings with little infrastructure to support modern policing. Operational vehicles are either scarce or barely functional, severely limiting response capabilities. In such an environment, efficiency is not just compromised, it is nearly impossible.
Training conditions offer little reassurance. Before recruits even don the uniform, many endure inadequate, underfunded, and sometimes scandalous preparation processes. This lack of proper training translates into poor professionalism, weak discipline, and an inability to meet the expectations of modern law enforcement. The result is a force ill equipped for the complexities of contemporary society.
Unsurprisingly, this systemic failure has eroded public trust. In many communities, the police are no longer seen as protectors but as adversaries. Citizens approach them with caution, if not outright fear. On the other hand, officers, disillusioned by neglect and poor welfare, often become indifferent to public perception. This mutual distrust creates a dangerous cycle, weakening the very fabric of societal security.
Yet, within this bleak reality lies an opportunity for reform, particularly through the concept of state and community policing. Decentralized policing structures hold significant promise. By bringing law enforcement closer to the people, they can improve responsiveness, enhance local accountability, and foster stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve. Properly implemented, state policing could bridge the trust gap and create a more adaptive, community oriented security framework.
However, this potential must not lead to indiscriminate adoption. The creation of state police forces is not merely a structural adjustment, it is a profound transfer of power. As such, it demands rigorous scrutiny and clear eligibility criteria. Any state that has failed to meet its basic obligations, such as paying workers’ salaries consistently over the past three years, even if arrears have been cleared, should be considered unfit to manage an armed security apparatus. Financial instability and poor welfare records are red flags that cannot be ignored.
Granting policing authority under such conditions risks replicating, or even worsening, existing problems. It could open the door to abuse, politicization, and further erosion of public trust. The stakes are simply too high for a one size fits all approach. If, after applying strict and transparent standards, only a handful of states qualify, then so be it. The priority must always remain the safety, dignity, and protection of citizens, not uniform adoption.
To ensure credibility and public confidence, the process of evaluating and overseeing state policing must be entrusted to an independent and specially constituted body. Assigning this responsibility to existing national policing institutions would likely undermine trust, given widespread concerns about their capacity and institutional integrity. What is needed is a neutral, transparent, and accountable framework, one that places the interests of the people above all else.
Policing, when done right, is one of society’s greatest safeguards. When done wrong, it becomes one of its gravest threats. The challenge, therefore, is not just to reform policing structures, but to restore the very philosophy upon which they were founded: service, accountability, and the protection of all.
By Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter.
