Behind the Badge: The Untold Stories of South Africa's Police Service Mambers

by Andrew Faull

Every South African has a strong opinion on crime and policing, but most know very little about the lives and experiences of the average cop in the 185,000-strong South African Police Service. This book is composed of excerpts from interviews with current and former members of the service who, for the first time, share their personal experiences of life behind the badge. The book covers a wide range of themes, including reasons for signing up, training, policing under apartheid and transformation after 1994. It describes the experiences of solving cases, using lethal force, being shot at and losing colleagues. Policemen and -women speak frankly about the psychological toll of police work and the impact on their family lives, and gives startling insights into ethics, torture, corruption, sex and power. There is a mantra among 'What happens on the shift stays on the shift.' In Behind the Badge, members break through this wall of silence and reveal the hidden life of the police.

297 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2010

About the author

Andrew Faull is a Senior Researcher in the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies, and a Research Associate at the Centre of Criminology, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He has over 15 years of experience researching policing and related subjects in South Africa.

Reviews

[Emma McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The themes that were explored in this book clearly show the struggles and triumphs that members of the South African Police Force face on a daily basis. It deals with the changes in South Africa and how these impact on every sphere of those within the SAPS. Members stories and lived experiences have been told in a very honest and reflective (and at times shocking) manner. It is clear from the content and way in which the book has been written that the author understands the complexities surrounding members of the SAPS. A highly moving read.

[Gary Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and well researched. for the most part that is. there was evidence of a journalistic slant and a hint of some prejudicial views. I did feel that in latter stages the work kind of fell over to a one sided journalistic, editorialized view point. but then again I do understand that I am indeed a "brick" in the blue wall so to speak. this is what happens when you took an oath 25 years ago to protect and to serve. and then you live by that very oath.

[Gary Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and well researched. for the most part that is. there was evidence of a journalistic slant and a hint of some prejudicial views. I did feel that in latter stages the work kind of fell over to a one sided journalistic, editorialized view point. but then again I do understand that I am indeed a "brick" in the blue wall so to speak. this is what happens when you took an oath 25 years ago to protect and to serve. and then you live by that very oath.

[Tony Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Policeman's Lot

Behind the Badge provides an in-depth look at the problems of policing in present day South Africa by interviewing dozens of both current and past members of the SAPS. (South African Police Service)

[Marize De Klerk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dissapointing not that good!