1.1. As the head of Visible Policing at one of the police stations in Gauteng, discuss how you are
going to use and apply the SARA model of analysis to address cases in your area related to
extortion and kidnapping.
Scanning (Problem Identification)
In the scanning phase, the goal is to identify whether extortion and kidnapping are ongoing,
significant issues within the community. This involves gathering data to verify the prevalence and
patterns of these crimes. Key steps include:
Collecting data: Begin by reviewing crime statistics, such as reports from local police stations
or geographic information systems (GIS), to identify areas with high rates of extortion and
kidnapping. Community complaints, media reports, and calls for service are also valuable
sources.
Engagement with the community: Interaction with community leaders and forums like
neighborhood watches can offer insight into the public's concerns and any patterns they might
have observed1 .
Establishing the scope of the problem: This includes looking at the specific time, location, and
circumstances of the crimes to ensure that they represent a systemic issue rather than isolated
incidents2 .
Analysis (Determining the Extent and Causes)
The analysis phase focuses on understanding the underlying factors contributing to extortion and
kidnapping. Steps to analyze the problem include:
Identifying the harm and risk factors: By evaluating victim profiles, such as individuals who
are frequently targeted (business owners, affluent families), we can understand the harm caused
by these crimes. Additionally, identifying potential offenders and the methods used in these
crimes will help pinpoint vulnerabilities3 .
The Problem-Analysis Triangle: This tool examines the offender, victim, and location to
understand the interactions that enable these crimes. For example, is there a specific
demographic targeted? Are certain areas known for higher crime activity?4 .
Use of third parties: In this context, third parties, such as social services, community leaders, or
even businesses, may provide crucial information about potential offenders or victims. These
parties can also help implement crime prevention strategies5 .
1: (POL3701 Guide, p. 25)
2: (POL3701 Guide, p. 24)
3: (POL3701 Guide, p. 26)
4: (POL3701 Guide, p. 27)
5: (POL3701 Guide, p. 29)