Community involvement is key to making Brackenfell a safer place, and the CPF needs the support of local residents to strengthen its efforts in fighting crime more effectively in the area.
Every police station in South Africa has a CPF, and it plays an important role in helping tackle crime by working closely with local communities. Community policing, as set out in the Police Act, is a proactive approach that relies on everyday citizens working alongside the police to address the root causes of crime, with the aim to build a strong partnership between the police and residents, and to come up with safety solutions that work for the community.
A safer community starts with an informed and involved community, says Brackenfell CPF chair, Norman Landry.
“The Brackenfell CPF plays a vital role in fostering cooperation between residents, the police, private security, and neighbourhood watches. One of the key opportunities for public involvement is through the CPF’s general meetings, and your presence there matters more than you may think. By attending the general meeting, members of the public gain direct access to information about local crime trends, police operations, and current safety initiatives.”
It provides a platform where Brackenfellers can raise safety concerns, ask questions, and make suggestions.
A safer community
“Whether you’ve noticed suspicious activity, feel unsafe in a particular area, or have ideas for improving security, the general meeting is your opportunity to be heard,” says Landry.
“The CPF relies on active participation to identify challenges to implement practical responses. By attending, you’re not just observing but you’re contributing to a safer Brackenfell.”
Legislated functions of the CPF include promoting accountability of the local police to the community in addition to monitoring the effectiveness of the police, and to advise on local policing priorities.
This entails making recommendations to the station commanders, the provincial commissioner and the MEC.
A general meeting of Brackenfell Community Policing (CPF) Forum is scheduled to take place on 21 July at Heidekoppie church at 19:00.
