CPF Guidelines and General Discussions

[romeopappa]

Since the CPF is very much appreciated by our citizens (and LEO's in general) in the prevention of crime, I would like to start this thread with information and discussions to assist current (and future) CPF members to ensure that we all act within the ambit of the law. Please feel free to share your experiences and comments on the CPF.

As a start here is the introduction as posted on the SAPS website as it relates to Sector Policing (can be found here http://www.saps.gov.za/comm_pol/sect...policing.htm):

What is Sector Policing ? Sector Policing means policing that focuses on small manageable sectors of a police station area. Sector Policing is a tool to implement Community Policing.

Purpose of Sector Policing Perform targeted visible police patrols Ensure a rapid response to complaints Address crime generators Investigate reported cases Provide a localized policing service to the community in accordance with their respective needs

What is the role of the Sector Commander? To mobilize and organize the community in the sector to take action against local crime together with the police. To act as liaison between the community of the sector and the local police station. To act as a crime prevention officer, which involves being responsible for all plans and projects to address crime in the sector

What is the role of the community? Attend the Community Police Sub Forum meetings to discuss action plans with the sector commander in order to deal with crime in the sector Participate in neighborhood initiatives to safeguard the area in which they live, work and play To take ownership of community policing and support the SAPS in the enforcement of the law

Structures for Community involvement in Policing Reservists (SAPS) CPF (SAPS Act) Community Patrol Groups Street Watches Street Committees Neighborhood Watches Business Watches

Community Safety Structures affiliation The Community Police Forum is regulated by Section 18 of the South African Police Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) Interim Regulations for Community Police Forums and Boards (Section 3 regulates the establishment of a Community Police Sub-Forum)

Community Police Forum objectives according to Sec 18 of SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) Establishing and maintaining a partnership between the community and the Service Promoting communication between the Service and the community Promoting co-operation between the Service and the community in fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing Improving the rendering of police services to the community at national, provincial, area and local levels Improving transparency in the Service and accountability of the Service to the community Promoting joint problem identification and problem-solving by the Service and the community

Community Safety Structures affiliation (how?) Hand in a written application to the Community Police Sub-Forum in a sector and provide the following: Constitution and code of conduct Name of the watch structure Descriptive map of the sector, area block, estate, complex in which it operates Names, addresses and contact numbers of the members of the watch structure Names, addresses and contact numbers of the executive committee members

Difference between Reservists and Patrol Groups Reservists Appointed under the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) , Section 48 Has the same powers as a police member (e.g. Arrests, investigate) Receive training in: firearms, legal aspects, basic police functions and procedures, etc Patrol Groups Affiliated to the sector Community Police Sub-Forum Limited powers e.g. Citizens arrest Limited training (e.g. Basic knowledge of the laws, crime scene management, first aid, etc)

Operational functions of the Community Safety Structures Eyes and ears of the SAPS If the need arises, carry out a citizen's arrest in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 68 of 1977), section 42 Performing patrol duties that will serve as a crime deterrent Preserving crime scenes when first on the scene Facilitating good relations in the neighbourhood Rendering a voluntary service Reporting crime and crime in progress to the SAPS Creating crime prevention awareness amongst the community

Limitations on the powers of the Community Safety Structures No promoting of political agendas/ interests No promoting, marketing or selling of security equipment/ services Cannot request or enforce registration/ membership fees Cannot act as a police official Cannot participate in crime prevention operations with the SAPS (e.g. "Stop and search", roadblocks, etc) Cannot wear or use the SAPS insignia in any way on a person or private vehicle May not use any rotating/reflecting light of any colour on a private vehicle for the purpose of visibility during patrols A community police forum, sub-forum or board has no power of command and control over the Service or any member thereof: No member of such a forum or board may: Wear any insignia or identification mark in respect of any political party, organization, movement or body while attending a meeting of a CPF, sub-forum or board Utilize his or her membership of a CPF, sub-forum or board for political interests Not entitled to have access to police registers or files without approval May only use property belonging to or under the control of the Service with the prior written approval The Service is not obliged to provide office accommodation No equipment or SAPS store items may be issued to a member of a Community Police Forum, Sub- Forum or Board No such member may be allowed to utilize a police vehicle May not establish itself as a section 21 company

For more information on sector policing, contact your local police station.

[romeopappa]

Here is a very informative guideline created by one of our retired Lt Col's. Will definitely help to prepare you as CPF member.CPF-COC.pdf

[Jo.rademeyer]

Community policing in Mexico, from The New Age 26 July 2013, page 25.

[JS4]

romeopappa: not sure if you are still active, but in any event... thanks for this!



I have a meeting with the 'something must be done; shoot all people seen on the streets between 12 and 4 am with paintball guns!'-brigade in our neighbourhood tomorrow and the document linked in your second post is exactly what I needed now.

Unfortunately the link in the first post is broken now since SAPS updated their website... anybody got an updated link for me please?

@romeopappa: again!

[JS4]

PS: @Jo.rademeyer, thanks for adding nothing valuable at all.

[SafeAction]

http://www1.saps.gov.za/comm_pol/sec...licing_old.htm

&

http://www1.saps.gov.za/comm_pol/sec...r_policing.htm

[JS4]

Thank you very much bud!

Whereabouts are you guys?

[Jo.rademeyer]

js4 you annoying creep who posts too much, my addition, if it bothered you so much to waste another useless post, was to show community policing in Mexico.

Read the title of the thread, and stop trolling. You are becoming very annoying.

[h0stag3]

Hmmm... pity our Polizei were not very helpful with our CPF venture. Could have been awesome!

[JS4]

js4 you annoying creep who posts too much, my addition, if it bothered you so much to waste another useless post, was to show community policing in Mexico.

Read the title of the thread, and stop trolling. You are becoming very annoying.

Ok man.

Message received.