Globally, the police as an institution of the State is saddled with the all-important duty of protecting the lives and property of members of the community. They are granted ‘wide powers’ by the State with a view to assisting them in the discharge of their responsibilities. However, the powers and discretion of the police is subject to regulatory mechanisms and oversight, and therefore not to be exercised arbitrarily.

It is in light of the above that the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria and the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) presented the 2015 edition of the advanced short course on ‘Police Oversight and Accountability.’

The one-week intensive course ran from 13 to 17 July, and brought togethers participants such as police officers, representatives of human rights institutions, academics and facilitators from around the world.

The participants were engaged and provided with up-to-date information and practical insights on the subject of policing and accountability by seasoned experts in this field.

The facilitators included -

• Prof Elrena vd Spuy
  Police oversight systems and theories
• Prof Michelo Hansungule
  Policing liberties in Southern Africa
• Prof Etanibi Alemika
  Police oversight in Africa: challenges and opportunities
• Sean Tait
  External oversight
• Gareth Newham
  Internal oversight
• Anneke Osse
  The use of force
• Commissioner  Lawrence Mute
  Torture and custody visits
• Louise Edwards
  Policing, arrest and detention

Police accountability in developing countries is a process. It is hoped that participants will return to their various jurisdictions, better equipped to provide ethical policing built on the culture of accountability and democratic values and not on a culture of impunity, disregard for the rule of law and violence.