’Tis the time of year when all community policing forums (CPF) elect their new committee members and chairpersons.
To this end Paarl Post took to all sectors to, not only introduce their respective newly elected chairpersons, but to elaborate on the role CPFs play in our communities.
According to Paarl police spokesperson, Capt Louise du Plessis, the establishment of formidable partnerships in 2003 enhanced the concept of communities being the most strategic partners in the prevention of crime.
“CPFs were introduced into the partnership strategy of the South African Police Service (Saps) to allow active community participation in the prevention of crime,” she said.
In 2010, the Western Cape Provincial Community Policing Board and police adopted a uniform constitution for CPFs that was endorsed by the Department of Community Safety.”
The CPF in the policing precinct (each police station has its own forum) is the executive structure which oversees the Neighbourhood Watch (NBW) and Farm Watch structures.
“To be recognised as an accredited NBW/Farm Watch an application must be made to the CPF executive structure for approval,” Du Plessis said.
“All members of a NBW/Farm Watch are bound the to the Code of Conduct as stipulated in the CPF Uniform Constitution.”
She explained that, currently, the Department of Community Safety allows for NBWs to be accredited by their department without the approval/endorsement of the local CPF/police structures.
“This cutting out of local structures is creating tension between existing CPF structures and the Department of Community Safety as to the roles and responsibilities of the CPF structure in a policing area.”
CPF structures are to work in partnership with police in:
- Promoting community awareness programmes. Dealing with public complaints against poor police service delivery. Enhancing the victim empowerment programmes on the stations. Providing input with regards to liquor applications in the policing area. Open communication with NBW/Farm Watch members in the policing area. Public meetings where crime feedback is provided to the community
CPF structures may not:
- Instruct Station Commanders/Police Officials to perform tasks. Provide crime statistics or speak to the media on crime related incidents without the consent of the station commander. Promote any political party . Bring the name of the police station they are affiliated to in disrepute publicly
Says Du Plessis: “The Paarl Police Station has been proud to serve with numerous Paarl West Community Policing executive members since 2003 and will endeavour to continue the partnership between the community in years to come.”
It is important to note that CPF volunteers act as the police’s eyes and ears that work to bridge the gap between the community and (more often than not) understaffed local police stations.
This role facilitates in assisting to report crime incidents within the community and not to act out law enforcement as law enforcement officers.
Introducing one’s local CPF Chairperson
Paarl : Tom Spies – 072 791 4649.
Paarl East: (New committee pending).
Wellington: Klaas Morkel – 060 385 2959.
Mbekweni: Henry Jacobs – 076 466 3400.
Franschhoek: Archie Jefthas – 072 463 6824.
Groot Drakenstein: Jan Schlieman – 084 624 4644.
Klapmuts: Guillaume du Toit – 082 416 3579
