The picture painted of government programmes by the African Peer Review Mechanism's (APRM) can be disturbing at times, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Wednesday.

"To this end we have openly and upfront encouraged feedback, qualitative research, including constructive criticism," Mthethwa said in a statement.

"The ministry's approach in dealing with crime has always been premised around partnerships whether with society, business, and importantly researchers."

Mthethwa said he wanted to highlight government's stance on four key issues, xenophobic violence, force versus service, review of white paper and the release of crime statistics.

He said xenophobia would not be tolerated by government and so cabinet had re-established the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on xenophobia and police.

"As we speak there are criminals who have been arrested and serving time in jail. These scoundrels were charged with looting, intimidation, inciting violence, committing murder because in the main, such acts are criminal," Mthethwa said.

Programmes were also set up to engage with communities and implement educational and awareness campaigns.

In terms of force versus service Mthethwa said the police leadership took a stance on fighting crime "toughly".

Police ranks were changed to ensure there were clear lines of command and control which instilled a sense of discipline amongst officers.

"Without a sense of a clear chain of command, field accountability is at risk," Mthethwa said.

According to the white paper on safety and security reducing crime entailed more than policing, an effective system of criminal justice, and appropriate systems of oversight. It also required a focus on social, environmental and economic issues.

"What APRM may not be aware is that at the end of last year, the minister began with a review of the White Paper, specifically tasking the secretariat of police to review this piece of legislation," Mthethwa said.

"A lot of ground-work has been done in terms of research, consultations and benchmarking, which we are certain APRM wittingly or unwittingly chose to ignore this."

He said government took a decision to release crime statistics annually and would continue to do so.