Code of conduct for CPF patrollers
In light of recent incidents involving the CPF, the SAPS is reminding the public that the CPF's duties are regulated by a condition of employment.
According to Lieut Juanita Coetzer of the Boksburg North SAPS, CPF patrol groups, including street watch, neighbourhood watch and business watch, have a duty to adhere to the code of conduct, which defines the standards of behaviour for every community patroller who assists the police in preventing crime in the communities.
Patrollers are not allowed to do the following while carrying out their duties:
* To disobey any of the traffic laws, such as operating their vehicle in a manner that jeopardizes their safety or the safety of others, by exceeding speed limits in emergencies
* Carry firearms while patrolling their neighbourhoods
* To pursue another vehicle or a person fleeing from a crime scene
* Confront a suspect or attempt to make an arrest without the presence of a police officer
* CPF members are not allowed to enter a crime scene.
* Confront, assault and shoot fleeing suspects.
* To perform law enforcement in the absence of a police officer
* CPF patrollers do not have the legal authority to stop and search anyone. If member of the CPF patrollers insist on searching you, you should contact the nearest police station and inform them of the incident.
* Not allowed to carry out the function of the police
* Citizens who respond to emergencies or carry out a citizen arrest are expected to follow the laws and regulations.
*To make use of any emergency lights, of any colour, and sirens on a private vehicle for the purpose of visibility during patrols.
A blue light (either alone or in combination with amber and red lamps) may only be fitted to police vehicles which are operated by police members or members from the EMPD, traffic officers and members of the SANDF Military Police.
Other identification lamps which may be fitted to certain vehicles include red, amber, green and white lamps.
Red lamps may be fitted to ambulances, firefighting or rescue vehicles; green lamps on disaster management vehicles; and amber lamps may be fitted on certain emergency vehicles
Coetzer said CPF patrollers should behave professionally at all times while carrying out their duties.
“Any member who contravenes the code of conduct will face a disciplinary hearing.”
Regarding the private security industry, actions and activities which security patrollers are not allowed to do include:
* To transport suspects arrested by their personnel to the nearest police station.
*To take statements
* To stop and search anyone
* To exceed the speed limit when responding to emergency calls
“In terms of the arrest of suspects, and the search and seizure of property, security members are expected to adhere to their stipulated regulations.”
