Interim chairperson of Sector 1 Community Policing Forum (CPF) Kerry Wetton would like to share a bit of information with the community about the role that CPFs play in keeping their communities safe.
She said a CPF could be a great collaboration between the police, community leaders and citizens. Everyone has a role to play.
Community leaders are elected in each suburb or industrial area and could, for example, be chair of the local residents’ association.
Their (RAs or CPFs) main responsibilities are to:
- Set up a database of contact information for effective communication around crime prevention
- Set up WhatsApp groups to create a network for residents
- Attend community forum meetings to discuss action plans with sector managers and the CPF to deal with crime in their specific area.
Their most influential role, however, is to mobilise residents so everyone can play a key role in detecting and preventing crime.
Wetton said, “In the past few weeks we have had an increase in gender-based violence as well as xenophobic attacks across our nation. Randburg has not been exempt from these issues. We have also seen an increase in theft out of motor vehicles and small businesses being targeted. Many have asked what is happening in our nation, and what we can do to make a difference in our local community? The good news is that there is much currently being done. We hear of success stories every day. There is hope for our community of Randburg, but it starts with us.”
Wetton added that each individual had a part to play in making sure the community was improved, for each other and their own children.
“It starts with finding our voice and speaking up when we witness a crime or by-law infringement and reporting these to the police or JMPD. It continues when we stand up as a community and say, ‘it begins with me’. I can play a part. I can get involved. I can help.”
There are three Sector Crime Forums in Randburg that meet every month and are open to the community. “Come and join, meet with us. We want to hear your heart and we want to work together in making our community better,” said Wetton.
Community members can also make a significant difference in the fight against crime by:
- Reporting all crime
- Become active in your local residents’ associations or the CPF
- Take part in your neighbourhood initiatives to safeguard your area
- Own your role in community policing and support the police in law enforcement
- Know your neighbours
- Join relevant WhatsApp groups in your area
- Support the organised patrols in your streets/area
- Understand crime trends in your area and how they can be reduced
- Support the other stakeholders: your sector committee and the Randburg Police Station.
Finally, you can ‘like’ the Facebook page of the Randburg Community police Forum as another way to show support.
Details: www.facebook.com/randburgcommunitypoliceforum
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