WITH police killings an all-too-common occurrence, Brighton Beach SAPS has embarked on a campaign to condition policemen to protect themselves so they can continue to protect their communities.
“The senseless killing of our men and women in blue continues. These acts of violence against our police officials have prompted the launch of an internal communications initiative within the Brighton Beach police station, with the aim being to promote and sustain police safety,” said communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, who developed a poster for the initiative.
The poster has been placed around the station and police officers have been encouraged to read the safety guidelines provided.
The senseless killing of our men and women in blue continues.
“We also invite members from neighbouring stations who visit our policing area to take the time and read the guidelines provided. Five minutes of their time is all that it will take to promote and sustain their personal safety,” said Capt Le Roux.
As per the guidelines, police officers can create a safe working environment for themselves by:
- Being aware of the modus operandi of attacks on policemen in and around the area.
- Being aware of hot spots, dangerous areas and wanted persons in their area, and the areas they may venture.
- Ensuring their service pistols, including the magazines, are in a serviceable condition at all times, and that expired ammunition is replaced timeously.
- Wearing a serviceable bullet-resistant vest. The ceramic plate must be used at all times when on duty, which includes members that perform duties in the community service centre.
- Equipping themselves with a set of handcuffs, pepperspray, radio and torch when reporting for duty. Ensure the radio is fully charged and in a serviceable condition. Always stay in radio contact.
- Not talking, texting or listening to music on mobile devices while on patrol as it affects the level of alertness and observation capabilities. This also applies to members performing duties in the community service centre.
- Using a serviceable state vehicle. As an authorised driver of a state vehicle, they must ensure that a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle is conducted. This could prevent a breakdown.
- Never responding to a complaint alone, always working in pairs. Every complaint must be approached as serious, as the level of threat is not always known. The correct tactical approach procedures must be applied to each situation to ensure their safety at all times.
- Applying the correct tactical procedures when approaching or searching a suspect, vehicle, house or building.
- Always restraining a suspect after a search.
- Always applying the correct procedures when transporting a suspect or when placing such suspect in the holding area or cells. Leg irons and handcuffs must be used.
- Never visiting the cells alone. The member entering the cell must not carry a firearm. The member guarding the gate or door must always be armed.
Capt Le Roux urges community members to report those individuals who are involved or responsible for killing police officers. Call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111, SMS 32211 or visit www.crimeline.co.za.
