Promoting public value by implementing reverse logistics in the South African Police Service

Background: Effective supply chain management (SCM) processes across all South Africa’s three spheres of government has become critical in view of increasing demand for public services amidst scarcity of resources. Objectives: This article provides an assessment of the implementation of reverse logistics within the supply chain management (SCM) system of the South African Police Service (SAPS), in order to produce public value. Method: The article utilised a qualitative desktop approach, drawing from an extensive review of literature, in particular, SAPS reports, policy documents relevant to journal and online articles on SCM, and reverse logistics. Results: It is hoped that through the implementation of reverse logistics in SAPS SCM processes, public value is enhanced; there is better financial performance, legislative compliance, employment and preservation of resources. It was found that a shortage of resources, lack of skills, institutional capacity, inadequate control systems and corruption are all detrimental to public value. In order to optimise the efficiency of reverse logistics in enhancing public value, SCM managers must develop policies to manage procurement and resource management processes, as well as implement information systems and automation for the entire reverse flow. Conclusion: In order to mitigate the reverse logistics challenges and enhance public value in SAPS, there is a need for redesigning the institutional budget priorities, implementation of adequate control measures, recycling of resources, reskilling of SCM personnel, automation and review of the SCM processes.