Norwood CIB is there for the community
On top of patrolling communities during the night, the Norwood CIB would like the community to know that they are always ready to assist.
The Community in Blue (CIB) under the Norwood Community Policing Forum is there to serve the community. Sharing what role they play in the community, Bravo and Tango (who prefer to use their pseudonyms for safety and security reasons) said they are different from the community policing forum in that they are the actual people who patrol the streets.
Bravo, who is the commander of the CIB said that potential CIB members get interviewed by the station commander, get police clearance and sign in and out of the police station when going about their job. The patrollers also type out reports and hand them to the police station in a formalised way.
The commander said they currently require more members to join them. “They need to be dedicated and non-politically affiliated. We support visible policing and we are the ears and eyes of the community. We encourage people to call in and let us know what is going on in the streets through an email we have set up. We go out for three hours every second night on average.” Bravo said everyone brings a different skill to the patrol, for instance, Tango can identify drugs very easily and they have a firearms expert.
Bravo said whether it’s cold or snowing they still go out. The commander said they gather information and set out a list of what they are going to do and how they are going to do it. However, if they come across a car accident, a broken-down car, an injured man who has been stabbed, a lost dog, and so on, they will help. Both patrollers are trained in first aid.
Tango added that in as much it is on a volunteer basis, one needs to give some level of commitment. He said they cover four sectors which occupy 24 square km.
Highlighting some of the challenges, Tango said one huge issue is the lack of unity on social issues they deal with. “Most people say they want to help but when it’s time they don’t come forth.”
Tango also shared that there are children on Grant Avenue under the age of 12 who harass, steal and take stuff from patrons and the CIB needs guidance on how to assist these children.
Details: Norwood CIB norwoodcib@gmail.com
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