One state, three faces: Policing in South Africa (1910–1990)

This article describes and analyses state behaviour in South Africa between 1910 and 1990 as reflected in its policing. Major changes are identified on the basis of a spectrum of behaviour: liberal, totalitarian, and authoritarian. What makes the South African case noteworthy is the simultaneous develop- ment of all three modes of policing. Although not the only causal factor, this was a consequence of a state which legislated a divided society into existance