MOTIVATING policemen on the ground and showing that the community cares and appreciates the work they do, is just a small part of Westville CPF chairman, Mike Myers’ job description.
Myers started his role as the chairman in May/June 2014. His role was to head up the CPF committee – to drive them in a positive direction and to ensure that it is an action committee. The committee consists of nine people who all have different roles and responsibilities.
“One of my roles is constant communication with the station commander and members of the station to ensure good cooperation and relations with the community and police. The committee also has certain oversights and responsibility to policing,” said Myers.
Being a former policeman, stationed at various departments in Johannesburg as a detective, Myers believes he is the right man for this job.
“For me what is important is to motivate policemen on the ground – to make them feel part of the community. If we show policemen we care about them, they will in turn be committed to the community,” said Myers.
Myers also had a 29-year career in the restaurant business but he packed it all in to follow his passion and heart in policing. Together with a business partner, they opened a company called Mobi-Claw, which is a 24-hour personal protection mobile application that has full reaction on multiple platforms. Mobi-Claw is also the official partner for mobile emergency reporting to the Kloof CPF as well as Westville (www.mobi-claw.com).
He said the Westville CPF committee is looking forward to a new national constitution regarding CPFs, which will be adopted in a few months.
“The MEC of the Department of Community, Safety and Liaison has been outstanding with their cooperation in working together. As soon as the amendments are made, the Westville CPF will hold an AGM, where a new committee will be established.”
Myers also commended and thanked the Westville SAPS station commander, Col Sbongile Mhlongo, for the incredible change she has made at the station in the last four months.
“I’m proud of how the members from SAPS management, officers on the ground and the community work together in Westville,” added Myers.
When Myers is not pursuing ways on how to combat crime, he enjoys playing golf, watching rugby and sport in general. He also enjoys food and is one of 70 official Fine South African brandy ambassadors and connoisseurs who were appointed by the South African Brandy Guild. He is married and has two children.
His message to the community is to support the CPF on a personal and financial basis. “Finances play an important role in the day-to-day running of the CPF to ensure that the police have the tools and resources to do their jobs. Attend the monthly meetings and look after the policemen, who will look after you,” said Myers.
