Geographical information systems (GIS) and policing in South Africa: a review

Purpose - This purpose of this paper is to explore the developments which have precipitated the use and integration of geographical information systems (GIS) within the South African Police Services (SAPS). Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides a historical overview of GIS within South Africa, supplemented with the legislative origins of the integration of GIS within policing in South Africa. Various spatial analytic operations that GIS technology affords are highlighted to illustrate the potential that the technology offers to law enforcement agencies in South Africa. Findings - A number of challenges face the full integration of GIS within the day-to-day policing operations of the SAPS. Several critical success factors are identified which need to be eminently satisfied before the widespread integration of GIS within the SAPS can be achieved. Originality/value - GIS is envisaged as a tool to benefit the criminal justice community by playing an important role in the policing and crime prevention process. This paper identifies the major inhibitors to the potential offered by GIS to supplement policing within a South African context.