COMPUTER LITERACY AND THE USE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

In the South African Police Service (SAPS), training in the use of computer technology is not a major priority, officials are reluctant to use computer technology in the execution of their duties and computer literacy is very low among members of the SAPS. This is against the international practice where computer technology is utilized in the administration, the prevention- and investigation of crime by police agencies. Against this background, this paper therefore articulates the underlying reasons associated with the failure and reluctance of officials to use computer technology, as well as the low computer literacy among members of the South African Police Service. The paper presents some of the negative effect that this situation has on the proper administration of the service and policing function in general. This discuss therefore recommends decisive actions that need to be taken to improve the situation in this field of training and ensure that those who are trained stay active by providing them with the necessary technology and computer systems.