Friedo J.W. Herbig

The Role and Function of Criminologists within the Criminal Justice and Private Sector

Criminology gained prominence as an academic area of study because of the constant threat of crime and the social problems it highlights. Nonetheless, much doubt and criticism exists among professionals within social and human sciences regarding the role, application, value and contributions of criminologists. Criminology is informed by a combination of theory and empirical research enfolded into a body of knowledge on crime as a social phenomenon. In South Africa, criminologists have acquired a more practically oriented role in enhancing service delivery within the criminal justice and private sectors. This article aims to highlight the current (and potential) shift in practice for criminologists in South Africa.

Offender Rehabilitation and Counselling Dynamics in the South African Correctional Environment: Systems and Prospects

This article provides a theoretical overview of the correctional reform as well as rehabilitative and counselling landscape within South African Correctional Centres. Key challenges being faced in this arena include corruption/collusion of correctional staff, poor and failing infrastructure, high staff turnover, deficient mental health care, overcrowding, inadequate social integration and development services. Building of internal staff capacity, ensuring humane, safe and healthy inmate living conditions, and ensuring needs-based/driven development and reintegration programmes may address some of these challenges.