INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY FIELD

Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to examine common factors contributing to high levels of police ill-discipline in police stations in the Limpopo province. Station discipline is a core indicator of the station's effectiveness. Police management is essential; therefore, academics and researchers need to focus on common factors contributing to the high level of police ill-discipline across all stations.  However, the prevalence of police ill-discipline in South African police stations, especially in the Limpopo province, necessitates the adoption of measures and remedies to restore and enhance discipline in all stations. This paper heavily relied on both primary and secondary data. From the reviewed literature, the study found that various factors contributed to higher levels of police ill-discipline, including police culture, psychological strain, financial strain, inconsistent discipline, and more. The study was anchored in and guided by power and influence theory and trait theories, which offer distinct and complementary perspectives on leadership and behaviours. The study used questionnaires in a quantitative research design to sample 170 police officers, randomly selected from 10 police stations. However, in qualitative research design, purposive sampling was used to select 80 police officers. The instruments used were questionnaires and an interview schedule. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and the presentations used tables, frequencies, and percentages, whereas the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The study found that both participants and respondents explicitly know the common factors contributing to a high level of police ill-discipline within their police stations. The study concluded that financial strain factors, police culture, psychological strain factors, inadequate and unethical leadership, inconsistent discipline, poor communication, and inadequate supervision were prevalent across almost all stations. The station leadership should take a decisive role in managing discipline. The study recommends retraining station leadership in discipline management. It is expected that the findings of this study will weigh in on the benefits of police policy makers using acceptable disciplinary procedures within the stations’ context. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive plan to improve police discipline in South African police stations and restore public trust.