Abstract
The aim of was to develop a blockchain-enabled e-policing framework that enhances
public safety and improves security service delivery within a selected South African
municipality. The study was guided by five core objectives: to assess the level of
awareness and understanding of blockchain technology among law enforcement
personnel, examine current e-policing practices, evaluate the perceived benefits of
blockchain integration, explore the operational and organisational considerations for
implementation, and develop a conceptual blockchain framework to support effective
crime prevention and detection. A quantitative research approach, aligned with the
positivist paradigm, and a descriptive research design were employed to systematically
capture and analyse empirical data. Using random sampling, 100 law enforcement
personnel were targeted, with 65 participants completing semi-structured questionnaires.
The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques in SPSS to
evaluate participants’ knowledge, current digital tool usage, perceptions of blockchain
benefits, and readiness for adoption. The findings reveal that while participants
demonstrate conceptual awareness of blockchain, practical familiarity and technical
understanding are limited, indicating a significant readiness gap. Digital tools and
platforms are already extensively used in policing workflows, with systems for case
management, crime mapping, and social media monitoring widely deployed. However,
challenges such as high operational costs, weak interoperability between platforms, datasecurity
concerns, and delays in information processing persist, limiting the full
operational potential of existing digital infrastructures. Participants acknowledged
blockchain’s potential benefits, including secure, real-time information sharing, enhanced
transparency, immutable records, and improved chain-of-custody processes for digital
evidence. Nonetheless, considerable uncertainty remains regarding its practical
application and technical integration. Based on these findings, the study recommends
targeted interventions, including structured capacity-building initiatives to strengthen
blockchain literacy, phased implementation strategies to manage financial and
operational risks, development of interoperable data standards, and the establishment of...