Concerns were raised during a meeting between local and national stakeholders to discuss the police’s resources in the Table View area.

At the centre of discussions was the need for policing resources to keep pace with significant population growth across Table View, Parklands and surrounding communities. Stakeholders said current policing needs could not accurately be assessed using outdated demographic information, with 2011 census figures failing to reflect the scale of development in the area.

The meeting was arranged by the Constituency Head, Nicholas Gotsell, a member of the Select Committee on Security and Justice. The issues of severe under-resourcing was raised by him through the office of the chair of the Police Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron, and he will be driving the issue following a delayed and unsatisfactory response by the office of the National Commissioner for POlice. Gotsell has undertaken to amicably seek a solution, failing which he will take the matter up through Parliamentary channels.

Ward councillor Sue van der Linde said: “Our communities have grown dramatically, but our policing resources have not kept pace with that growth. We need to make sure that the data being used to determine police resources reflects the community as it exists today, not what it looked like 15 years ago.”

Parklands station deemed unsuitable

The Parklands Satellite Police Station was discussed extensively, with stakeholders agreeing that its current location and resources make it unsuitable to adequately serve the growing community.

The station has been a longstanding concern for residents and local leaders, with previous calls made for a stronger police presence in Parklands.

Recent reporting has also highlighted community concerns about reduced police visibility and the impact of the satellite station’s closure on response times.

During the latest meeting, an alternative interim location in the Rivergate area was proposed as a possible site for a satellite station.

The proposal was supported by the stakeholders present, opening the possibility of a policing facility closer to communities that have experienced rapid residential and commercial development.

Van der Linde said finding a suitable location was important, but that infrastructure alone would not solve the problem.

Personnel and vehicles a concern

A major issue raised at the meeting was the shortage of police personnel and vehicles.

Stakeholders said limited resources were affecting the ability of police to respond effectively to incidents and maintain a visible presence across the area.

While the police report acknowledged resource constraints, it indicated that police were managing the available resources.

Stakeholders questioned this assessment, arguing that it did not adequately account for the area’s rapid population growth and increased demand for policing services.

The meeting also highlighted the need for greater transparency around how police determines the number of officers, vehicles and other resources allocated to a policing area.

Outdated census data questioned

One of the biggest challenges identified was the reliance on outdated population figures.

The 2011 census data is now 15 years old, while Table View and surrounding areas have undergone significant residential development during that period.

Stakeholders suggested that voter registration figures and other more recent demographic information could be used to demonstrate the current size of the population and strengthen the case for additional policing resources.

Van der Linde said accurate data was essential when decisions were being made about public safety.

“If the figures being used are outdated, then the resources allocated from those figures will also not reflect the reality on the ground.

“We need accurate, current information so that the community’s policing needs can be properly assessed.”

The meeting also raised concerns about communication between the police and local stakeholders, particularly regarding how resource requirements are assessed and communicated.

Participants called for greater openness around policing numbers, vehicle availability and the criteria used when resources are allocated between stations and areas.

For Van der Linde, the issue extends beyond a single police station.

“This is about making sure that Table View and the surrounding communities receive policing resources that match the reality of our population and the challenges we face.”

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