MORE CHANGES Impact of SAPS restructuring on public order policing

The effect of the pending South African Police Services (SAPS) restructuring process has raised concerns about the future of specialised policing units, including the Area Crime Combating Units (ACCUs). The concerns relate to the fact that these units may lose their specialist abilities and become overburdened, ultimately leading to the end of the units in their current form. Considering that the trends show an increase in the number of public protests over time, it could be argued that the proposed changes may not be in the country's best interests. This article considers the implications of the proposed SAPS restructuring on the ACCUs.