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The South African Police Service is the Police and Law Enforcement Authority in South Africa.

It was established by the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996) lays down that the South African Police Service has a responsibility to

• prevent, combat and investigate crime; 
• maintain public order; 
• protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property;
• uphold and enforce the law;
• create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa;
• prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community;
• investigate any crimes that threaten the safety or security of any community;
• ensure criminals are brought to justice; and
• participate in efforts to address the causes of crime.

The official Code of Conduct of the South African Police Service was introduced on 31 October 1997. The Code of Conduct is a written undertaking which each member of the South African Police Service is obliged to uphold, in order to bring about a safe and secure environment for all people of South Africa. Every member of the South African Police Service must make the Code of Conduct part of their code of life, principles and values.