Lt Col Whitton takes over reigns

With her new role as Station Commander at the Saldanha Police Station, Weslander spoke to Lieutenant Colonel Kim Whitton about her plans.

How did it come about that you made the move from Langebaan Police to Saldanha Police as Station Commander?

The Station Commander post at Saldanha Police Station had been advertised as vacant. I saw this as an opportunity to advance my career and applied for the position, knowing the successful candidate would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

I was subsequently shortlisted for the position and, at a rank conferment ceremony held at the Saps Academy in Paarl, was officially promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and announced as the newly appointed Station Commander at Saldanha Police Station.

What does this opportunity mean to you?

I am honoured and proud not only to have been promoted but also to have been entrusted with this responsibility. This opportunity gives me the chance to make a positive difference in Saldanha. The Station Commander role is demanding and challenging, but I look forward to working with my new team at Saldanha and finding practical solutions to the challenges.

What will you implement at Saldanha Police Station that you worked at the previous station?

I want to instil a feeling of family and team spirit at Saldanha Police Station. This will help members feel motivated, increase productivity, and improve overall service delivery. My goal is to make the Saldanha precinct safer by delivering professional, efficient, and effective service. I also want to improve the relationship between the Saldanha Police and the community.

How do you plan on building trust between the police and the community of Saldanha?

Trust is earned, and building the Saldanha community’s trust will not happen overnight, but it is my priority. The community will be invited to attend engagements where various topics, including crime, will be discussed. There will also be opportunities for community members to raise concerns and provide information. To earn trust, there must be increased action and positive results. I would also like to invite the community to join the Saldanha Community Police Forum or one of the Neighbourhood Watches operating in the Saldanha police precinct.

What kind of leader do you aim to be at this station?

My role involves managing the human and physical resources at Saldanha Police Station, which includes three components. I aim to be a leader, not just a boss. A leader must be able to adapt to various situations as challenges arise. To answer your question, I aim to be a memorable leader. I want to inspire my members to seek knowledge, provide professional service, and strive to grow in their careers. If the community remembers me as a leader, then I know my placement in this position was destined.

What is your vision for Saldanha Police Station, and how will you handle the challenges it faces?

My vision is to see the community working hand in hand with my members. I want to create a safer Saldanha for residents and visitors. For meaningful impact, the focus must be on increasing integrated operations and strengthening the relationship between the community and police. Like all stations, Saldanha faces challenges. Any issues that negatively affect service delivery must be addressed promptly.

Is there anything you would like the community to know about you?

I hold integrity in high regard. It is a very important characteristic. I am usually smiling, and I will always try to be seen in the community if my workload allows. It is important that the community sees that the Station Commander wants to be involved and cares about the people.

What message would you like to share with the community of Saldanha?

I ask the community for a chance to earn their trust. This process is slow and intentional and is built on consistency, vulnerability, and integrity. I also request that the community attend engagements so I can hear their concerns. Even if concerns are negative, they provide opportunities to rectify or improve standards.

What will happen with your position at Langebaan Police Station?

The Station Commander post is currently vacant. An acting Station Commander has been appointed until a permanent officer with the rank of Captain is selected. Life at Langebaan Police Station goes on as usual. Services cannot stop, and the team at the station knows this. I am confident that Langebaan Police Station will continue to render professional service, as I continue to have high expectations for the station.