This through a planning of activities and events they hope will fulfill their attempt to curb crime through positive working relations with the community, particularly men.
The programme aims to eradicate crime especially gender-based violence by engaging men as change agents to achieve gender transformation and to change social attitudes, misconceptions and stereotypes of men and women within the police and the community.
The programmes’s objectives are:
- To have a functioning change forum at station, cluster, provincial, divisional and national levels.
- To address gender-based violence, prevent risks of associated suicides and homicides including among police officers by creating an environment free from harassment.
- To forge strong bonds between men and women in the interest of preventing and addressing social ills.
- To redefine the essence of fatherhood.
- To encourage men in leadership positions to mentor other co-employees against violence.
- To initiate partnerships with other stakeholders to help educate men and women on social ills.
- To partner women’s network in the police in order to create synergy and enhance impact of various programmes.
The objectives will be guided by principles of respect, love, trust and a culture of gender equality in society and in the police service.
At a planning session, forum members said they will include community members, local businesses and development organisation in order to strengthen and diversify representation.
Also, they proposed the programme activities to include campaigns against police killings. this in reference to the recent killings and injuring of Sandringham officers on the N3 Freeway and the killing of another Turfontein police officer. Forum chairperson Captain Chaka Motanyane said officers needed to be respected as brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers and relatives who are also neighbours.
He added that they will also include peace marches in the aftermath of the killings and destruction of property so that residents can express their disagreements against xenophobia attacks. “This and all other activities will be in the interest of creating a positive image about Alex, promote community buy-in and participation on safety issues and neighbourliness with everyone in the township.”
The forum intends to include all security, safety agencies and community representation – the Metro police, emergency management services, ambulance services, churches, schools and non-profit organisations.
Community members with ideas to enhance the programme are urged to participate in the forum.
Details: Alex Police Station 011 321 7642.
Will the forum assist to improve police and community relations? Share your view with Alex News by commenting below.
