On Wednesday evening my girlfriend and I attended the
State of the Suburb meeting, held at the Italian club in Bedfordview and hosted
by the Bedfordview Community
Policing Forum.
Crime is an epidemic in South Africa and no Community is exempt from its
scourge.
Crime has driven people to live behind locked doors and
high walls and the nagging, incessant feeling that any one of us can become a
casualty at any time is frightening.
The very barriers that we have built to keep the
criminals out are the very same barriers that keep us fearfully imprisoned and
isolated from the community, making our neighbourhoods more susceptible to
crime, explained an impassioned Mr. Yusuf
Abramjee in his explosive presentation. The CPF is a collaborative
partnership between the SAPS and the communities that are meant to identify
problems of crime and disorder
Gauteng
MEC for Community safety, Nonhlanhla Mazibibuko explained in great detail
the advantages and benefits of the collaborative relationship between the
police and CPF's. Communities that are empowered to identify and respond
to concerns will improve local physical and social environments through
increased positive attitudes towards police that in turn will see a reduction
in crime.
The police will improve their relationship with the
community thereby also improving their overall public perception which will
ultimately lead to a more conducive working environment.
The benefits of becoming an active citizen in this
collaborative relationship will also see a decreased potential for police
citizen conflict and better implementation of crime prevention and crime
control activities, as a result of both parties working towards shared goals
Marina Constas, chairwoman of the bedfordview CPF
explained that bedfordview police station faces many challenges on a daily
basis.
One of them being a lack of resources and space.General Petros
was Forthright in his presentation. Highlighting the problems of corruption
within the SAPS and measures that have been put into place to address these
problem areas, he also offered his commitment in reviving the Bedfordview
Police Station upgrade.
The residents of Bedfordview have made an informed choice
to maintain a proactive relationship with their local police,this is what it
means to be an active citizen.
As a resident of the community I too want to enjoy the
benefits of living in a safe neighbourhood. It starts with me... It starts with
you. Visit your local police station today and become a member of your CPF.
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