CPF urges community to get on board and help fight crime
The Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF has become an extremely successful CPF in Germiston.
A high level of crime continues to threaten the rights and dignity of South African citizens and poses a threat to the peaceful resolution of differences and rightful participation of all in the democratic process.
To assist the SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) were established under a forum in terms of section 19(1) of the SAPS Act, Act 68 of 1995 to involve all local stakeholders and key organisations in local policing.
The CPF members meet regularly with the officers in charge of the local police stations and discuss problems and solutions to crime in their area.
“The adoption of community policing did not only turn around the crime situation but changed the way the SAPS addresses crime,” said Pine Pienaar, vice chairperson of the Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF (LKCPF).
“For community policing to be successful, it is important for members of the community to realise and accept that they also have a social and moral obligation to assist and support the SAPS in the fight against crime, as well as other forms of social disorder.
“Community participation in crime prevention has become a key strategy to improve safety and security and building safer communities is a collective responsibility of both the state and its citizens.”
With the support and involvement of the community, the police will be in a position to meet the safety and security needs of the country.
Community organisations and development workers must co-operate with CPFs to mobilise community support in the fight against crime.
This includes:
• Identifying crime hotspots and informing the police about problems.
• Reporting any information on wanted suspects and illegal firearms.
• Visiting schools with the SAPS to speak to learners and teachers.
• Running education and awareness campaigns on the community’s role in the fight against crime.
• Mobilising civil society organisations to become active members of the community police forum.
• Supporting the police in crime prevention initiatives.
• Monitoring the police’s service delivery.
• Providing possible solutions or alternatives to constantly strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery.
The Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF is one of the sector CPFs within the Germiston police’s area.
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“LKCPF has become known as an entity of note by not only the community and companies within the area but also by the appreciation shown by the SAPS.
“The SAPS regard us as an asset to the area and this is a direct result of the effective synergy displayed by committed role players within the community,” said Pienaar.
“We acknowledge the need for an active citizenry, civil society and private sector to contribute to the ongoing efforts in crime and violence prevention and we would like all role players to pledge participation, joining hands in this effort.
“Crime needs to be tackled in a comprehensive way, which means going beyond an exclusive focus on policing.
“Furthermore, we urge all armed response companies in the Sector Four area to meet with the LKCPF and collectively plan strategy in fighting crime.”
To become a member of the LKCPF send an e-mail to admin@lkcpf.co.za, visit the website at www.lkcpf.co.za or call 072 193 8496.
You do not have to become a patroller when joining the CPF.
By being a member you become the eyes and ears of the SAPS.
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