UMBILO SAPS is currently in the process of looking for possible candidates to take up positions in the local Community Police Forum (CPF). The posts on the CPF executive committee are on a voluntary basis.
The definition of a CPF is a forum established in terms of section 19(1) of the SAPS Act, Act 68 of 1995, as a group of people from within the community, businesses, security agencies and other role players who meet with local police representatives to discuss safety concerns in their community on a monthly basis.
A CPF also aims at ensuring police accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the community. It is therefore imperative that every CPF remain true to the purpose of its establishment and ensure all crime and safety related concerns from the community be the focus of each and every CPF meeting.
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Sgt Quinton Rodie from Umbilo SAPS said residents are very conscious of the on-going crime levels in their area and have, where possible, taken precautions in the form of social media alerts, subscribing to armed response private security, installing safety features around their homes and various other forms of preventative measures.
“As a community we must make use of the CPF as a platform to work towards seeking solutions and also ensuring that SAPS is accountable and effective in their role of crime prevention and ensuring a safe and secure environment for the community. Unfortunately due to the nature of the matters that the CPF and SAPS deal with, it is therefore expected that the issues discussed at CPF meetings comprise mainly of complaints, grievances and sometimes the negative public perception with regards to the performance of the SAPS. However, without public participation in this executive committee, it will be ineffective,” he said.
Umbilo SAPS urges any interested residents who see themselves as possible candidates and who would be willing to work with SAPS as the CPF committee, to attend SAPS meetings in the various areas and work towards a safer neighbourhood.
SAPS will be meeting any interested residents in the Glenwood area at Glenwood Presbyterian Church, Frere Road (Evans Road entrance) on 29 May at 5.30pm until 6.30pm, in the Glenmore area at Glenmore Primary School, Feilden Drive, on 5 June at 5.30pm until 6.30pm and in the Bulwer area at Glenwood Community Church Hall, intersection of Clark and Bulwer Roads, on 12 June at 5.30pm until 6.30pm.
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