Partnership Building in Public Policing: Communities’ Perceptions towards the Role of Community Policing Forums in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The study sought to explain whether the Community Policing Forum initiative is an ideal partnership-building technique for crime prevention in Fortgale and Southernwood in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study further shed light on the nature and extent of community participation in the Community Policing Forum meetings. Lastly, the study identified the nature and extent of the most salient problems or barriers between the communities and the police regarding Community Policing Forum and crime prevention. This study employed a quantitative approach, comprising the pre-experimental design (one short case study) and non-probability, judgmental sampling. The sample size comprised 150 respondents recruited from each one of the two areas of study. The findings showed that the Community Policing Forum is working for both areas of study. Police and the public are working hand in hand in fighting barriers that may hamper its effectiveness. The public from both areas is well-educated about community policing. State the conclusions and the recommendations. The outcome of the study will improve the relationship between the police and the public since they cannot work in isolation. Keywords: Community Policing Forums, Police, Crime, Community, SAPS