Do you want to help reduce crime in your area?

Community Police Forums (CPF) are a vital component of every police station in the country.

They play a dual role, supporting the police and being a watchdog of the police at the station level. The police are often underfunded and understaffed which makes an active CPF especially important.
For crime to be adequately addressed, the police need eyes and ears throughout the precinct to alert them to criminal behaviour or civil unrest.

Having members of the community, local businesses, religious organisations, and the youth working hand in hand with the police makes a huge difference to the prevalence of crime. Mike Styer, public relations officer of the Fairland CPF, said, “Having an active and committed CPF helps to keep Fairland a very safe area.”

CPFs are the main conduit between the police and the community which greatly improves relations, perceptions and ensures relevant information such as crime trends and alerts are communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

Partnering with police improves strategies to reduce crime, improve service by the police, ensures greater transparency and accountability.

While helping the police, CPFs, which are legally mandated to exist, also ensure police stations are correctly run, track complaints and perform station inspections. They work closely with the commander for visible policing and operational sector heads. “Having the support and endorsement of the station commander is key for open and honest lines of communication to exist,” Styer added.

The Community In Blue (CIB) housed under the CPF’s executive, are civilian patrollers who assist the police with visible policing, patrols of the area and assist with operations held by JMPD or SAPS.

There is a role for anyone who would like to be involved. Whether you prefer to help administratively such as assisting with meeting minutes, creating social media content or want to actively participate with the CIB and community outreach activities, there is an option for everyone.

All CPFs rely on public donations to do their important work. For example, funds are used to supply CIB patrollers with radios and bulletproof vests, supplies to assist victim support units, marketing materials and a host of other needs.

Styer and his team work hard to raise funds for their efforts, the latest being the Fairland CPF’s market day on May 29. This fun family day for the community to enjoy and support their CPF.

If you would like to join local CPF, contact your nearest police station:

• Fairlands Police Station: 011 478 9413; 89 Sophia Street, Fairland; Fairland CPF 083 212 4647
• Parkview Police Station: 011 067 6000; 71 Dundalk Avenue, Parkview; Parkview CPF 082 712 5680
• Linden Police Station: 011 888 9211; 30 Boundary Road, Linden; Linden CPF 083 4994
• Brixton Police Station: 011 248 5500; corner of High and Mercury streets, Brixton; Brixton CPF 076 400 0164.