The SAPS was established in 1994 as a result of the amalgamation of the 11 independent policing agencies that existed before South Africa's transition to democracy. The SAPS' goal is to provide impartial, transparent, and accountable policing that upholds and protects the rights of all the nation's people. Strategic priorities for the SAPS developed in 2000 constitute a medium-term plan. The four strategic priorities are to combat organized crime, to address soaring levels of serious and violent crime, to reduce the incidence of crimes against women and children while also improving the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, and to improve service delivery at police stations. The core of this report presents information and data on SAPS' activities under its five programs. One program is entitled "Administration." It provides for the formulation of policy and the management of the department, including provisions for capital works and the medical benefits of SAPS employees. The second program, entitled "Crime Prevention," focuses on the functions of police stations nationally, as well as on specific services such as the dog, equestrian, radio control, and diving units of the department. The third program, entitled "Operational Response Services," provides for the policing of the nation's borders and for the specialized policing services related to the maintenance of public order, crowd management, and the high-risk functions performed by the Special Task Force. The program of "Detective Service and Crime Intelligence" operates the infrastructure required for investigative and intelligence work, as well as the examination of forensic evidence, the training of investigators, and the management of the Criminal Record Center. The fifth program pertains to "Protection Services;" it provides for the protection of foreign and local dignitaries. Data tables document the activities and achievements of each of the aforementioned programs. The report indicates that significant progress has been made in stabilizing crime in the country, and police services have improved.