Altogether 14 young men and women from the Overstrand graduated from the Peace Officer programme that forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP).
The safety plan prioritises the strengthening of municipal law-enforcement capacity across the Western Cape, particularly to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime within communities.
The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety reports that more than R1, 8 million has been invested in the training, resourcing and development of these officers. Nineteen other peace officers from the Drakenstein municipal areas also graduated from the programme last week.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, attended the Drakenstein graduation in Paarl. He said: “Through the Peace Officer programme we are making a meaningful investment into uplifting communities. Our communities can only thrive if residents feel safe.
“To our PO graduates, wear your uniforms with distinction and do your job with pride. Feel proud that you are part of the solution to further driving down crime. You are a critical part of our safety plan. Our job is not easy but we are making progress. We still have a very long way to go in our war against crime.”
The Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, added that the programme demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s commitment to creating safer communities.
“We want to ensure officers are visible throughout the province to assist the South African Police Service. This will go a long way in our continuous fight against crime.”
Should the police service be devolved to provincial level, he said, the provincial government will ensure it receives the required resources and necessary equipment and is capacitated to combat crime effectively.
“Devolution of policing powers to the Western Cape government is urgently required if we are to achieve further success,” Allen stated.
The 30-day programme provided participants with training in various fields, including law enforcement and the Constitution, principles of criminal law and rules of interpretation of law, an outline of the law of criminal procedure and legislation and the National Road Traffic Act pertaining to traffic wardens.
With a Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta) Certificate, graduates also received a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract/internship with the municipality.
