Community Policing Forums not included as essential services
Could still be called on by station commanders to assist
In a time of crisis, one would assume that all readily available security units would be utilised to maintain order and keep communities calm.
This assumption would be incorrect as the brave and dedicated members who make up the Community Policing Forums (CPF) have been grounded following their exclusion from the list of essential services.
As the nation begins the three-week lockdown, the volunteer group that comprises of neighbourhood watch leaders, those who engage with the youth, and ground patrollers have all been ordered to stay home. The CPF plays a valuable role in linking the community with their police force and while permission has been granted for station commanders to call upon their CPFs, no request has been issued yet.
“We view CPF structures as an essential voluntary service, bearing in mind that its function is closely tied to the Constitutional mandate in terms of the South African Police Service Amendment Act 57 of 2008. There are many social and other ills that can be addressed by active participation of CPF structures,” said the Gauteng Community Police Board public relations officer, Dr MR Patel, expressing his belief in the benefits brought about by the CPF’s involvement.
James Clarke, Roodepoort CPF public relations officer clarified, “We have to follow the directives set down by government. What we are questioning is the vulnerability of our residents to criminal elements.”
The hope from the CPF is that the Roodepoort Police, through their Station Commander, call upon them to once again be their eyes and ears on the ground.
