A zero tolerance approach to crime

A recent FAnews Online newsletter article focussed on the impact of serious crime on the underwriting margins of short-term insurers. The response we received to the article confirms the general public's concern over high levels of crime in our country.

The battle against crime can be won

In the early 1990s New York was in the grips of a major crime wave. While murders per 100,000 inhabitants were not nearly as high as comparable levels in South Africa today, the murder rate was well above the US average. Things were so bad that various travel publications were warning tourists about the dangers of visiting the city.

The solution came in the form of Rudi Giuliani, who was elected as Mayor of New York in 1994. In the subsequent years he earned the respect of his constituent with his tough, no-holds-barred approach to crime and inner city regeneration.

Giuliani has his detractors - but few can deny his approach worked in bringing serious and violent crimes down to more acceptable levels by the time he stepped down from office. What South Africa needs is a leader to step up to the plate in a similar fashion.

Lessons learned from Giuliani and New York

Giuliani applied the 'broken window' theory of fighting crime. He believed if he took care of the small problems, solutions to the big problems would follow. He applied this policy by rigorously policing the laws of New York City and prosecuting transgressors with impunity.

A second strategy he employed was known as 'sweating the small stuff'. This strategy called for taking care of small problems to prevent them from becoming bigger. A good local example of this relates to land invasions. If authorities fail to remove the first few land invaders the problem soon becomes too large to handle.

Giuliani firmly believed that simply reducing crime statistics would not be enough. For crime to truly decrease it must be removed from the psyche of the individuals in the community. To completely win the battle against crime you have to win over people's perceptions.

Accurate statistics essential to force accountability

Part of the New York solution was a sophisticated crime database called COMPSTAT, which was actively used to monitor crime on a daily basis. Trends were quickly identified and problem areas could be immediately targeted.

Police chiefs were held accountable for the criminal activity in their precincts based on these accurate and timely crime stats. The system created true accountability which in turn boosted the morale and performance of the entire police staff.

Senior management in the South African police force seems to have little to account for. The government ministers with safety and security portfolios are similarly disposed - choosing to deny the existence of a crime problem.

Giuliani is quoted as saying "When you confront a problem you begin to solve it." We've modified the saying for our police higher brass: "First you acknowledge a problem, then you confront it, and then you begin to solve it!"

Time for a huge attitude adjustment

"Freedom is about authority. Freedom is about the willingness of every single human being to cede to lawful authority a great deal of discretion about what you do and how you do it," says Giuliani

Being part of a crime free society requires every citizen to act with moral integrity. This means obeying all the laws of the country, even those regarded as petty or ill-formed.

Editor's thoughts:
This article should leave you with plenty to think about. If you'd like to send a letter to President Mbeki to voice your opinion on the current crime situation then go to www.dearpresident.co.za. The website was established by AfriForum and Solidarity following FNBs controversial decision to cancel their anti-crime campaign.

You can also read more - visit www.crimeisoutofcontrol.co.za

If you'd like to make any other comments on this article then please send these to gareth@fanews.co.za