Integrated community policing against school violence
The Eldorado Park Community Policing Forum condemns the various acts of violence involving groups of scholars from Eldorado Park.
The Eldorado Park Community Policing Forum condemns the various acts of violence involving groups of scholars from Eldorado Park, and in this has engaged with various formalised stakeholders to consult on and roll out a plan of action to counter the violence and sprouting culture of groupings.
In last week’s edition, communications officer, Constable Roxanne Gibb shared that two boys had allegedly been taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the injuries sustained in the violence amongst learners.
“These engagements were ongoing amidst police intervention to end these violent acts, resulted in case dockets being registered and investigations being conducted. The community and stakeholders have rallied together, culminating in an integrated and multi-faceted Plan of Action targeting the violence. This Plan of Action will bring about effective and sustainable interventions involving a variety of professional stakeholders and well-planned interventions.”
“All stakeholders reiterated their condemnation of violence and supported the zero-tolerance stance of the SAPS for acts of violence and criminality,” said Gibb.
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The communications officer added that as a result of the violence amongst these learners, it was established that the SAPS, with the partnership of the various stakeholders; namely the Department of Community Safety, Department of Education, Faith-Based Organizations and Community Policing Forum, to name a few, have planned to address the root causes of these violent acts of the learners towards one another.
Gibb explained: “A major part of the plan is to hold a camp which will focus on learners and reshaping them to be role models and future leaders. The intervention includes sporting activities, group discussions, teachers, pupils, and parent participation. This will ensure that the issues relating to these violent acts are addressed from the root, whereby the activities planned will encourage the group of learners to understand, work with, and support one another. Programmes designed to empower parents and foster better family relationships form part of the intervention.”
“Stricter safety measures have also been put into place, whereby parents are encouraged to escort their children to and from school. Learners found to be loitering outside of any school premises will be dispersed by teachers, patrollers, and the SAPS members in line with the integrated policing plan to address acts of criminality and ensure the safety of all learners.”
According to Gibb, the integrated safety plan also includes regular and random school searches involving various stakeholders, enhanced patroller activities inside and outside of school premises. Security measures within the school will become stricter, including compulsory bag searches, designated gathering areas, and parent involvement in activities at schools. Community members are encouraged to become more actively involved in school safety programmes, including those transporting learners to and from schools.
“We at SAPS Eldorado Park have pledged our support and commitment to end this violence. We are resolute in our zero-tolerance stance on violence and bullying. We have received an amazing response from appreciative parents and pupils, community leaders, and stakeholders. We support every learner in the examinations and will ensure a stress-free environment to write examinations, together with educators, parents, and all stakeholders. We further encourage community members to form part of the change and to approach our CPF Executive Committee and enquire on how to become part of the change that they want to see,” Gibb added.
All community and stakeholder engagements were productive and contributed to the establishment of a contact desk for parents wanting to report children with uncontrollable behavioural patterns. For further inquiries, parents or concerned community members can contact the Eldorado Park CPF PRO Dominique Rodriguez on 071 417 7774 and LDAC’s Cheryl Pillay on 061 410 1734 between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.
“Eldorado Park SAPS commends all those that have taken a stand against group violence and all those who have pledged their support to put an end to this type of behaviour. We pledge our complete support to our principals, teachers, and learners who have joined the zero-tolerance stance for violence and bullying in society. Tomorrow’s leaders are nurtured and protected today,” concluded Gibb
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