Exploring evidence use mechanisms in the North West Provincial Secretariat for Police Service

Abstract

This study explores ways and mechanisms which the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management (DCSTM) utilises evidence from the studies conducted to inform it’s planning and decision-making. It further analysed attitudes and inclination of departmental leadership to use evidence-based plans and decisions as a way of improving departmental performance. The study sought to address the research question – What mechanisms can be used to promote evidence use in planning and decision making within the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport Management? An exploratory qualitative design was employed in answering this research because it allows space and time to interpret and analyse data that was collected. A total of fifteen key informants from the availed themselves for key informant interviews. The results demonstrate that there are recognisable forms of evidence generated within the department, including official crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), small-scale commissioned research projects, monitoring data from oversight functions of the department and other ad hoc sources of data. However, the overall picture is there are several challenges with regard to the utilisation of evidence. It also demonstrates how insufficient knowledge, competence, and ability to use evidence limits the effective use of evidence. This includes, among other things, the difficulties with evidence quality and accessibility as well as written procedures that serve as guidelines for methods of using evidence.