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Sector policing has been successfully
implemented and launched in Thabong. The
area has been divided into 12 clusters,
comprising 36 sectors. With the
implementation of this system, a
policeman will now be allocated to a
specific area. His duty, function and
responsibility will be entirely
dedicated there. Each sector will be led
by a manager (policeman) and a chairman
(member of the community).
The sector manager will mobilise and
organise the community to establish a
sector crime forum (SCF). This will
serve as a platform to address safety
and security needs in this specific
sector. The sector crime forum will
comprise community members. They will
meet on a regular basis and specific
crime problems in the area will be
discussed. The root causes will be
established and addressed.
Two way communication between the
community and the police is of utmost
importance in these forums.
Members of the sector crime forum
will also be encouraged to visit
residents on a regular basis.
The forum must also establish the
security needs of the residents, like
the elderly who live alone.
In his speech Comm. Moranodi Gaobepe
(provincial commissioner of the SAPS in
the Free State), said sector policing
can play a valuable role in controlling
and preventing crime.
"Sector policing is based on the
philosophy of involving the community in
addressing crime, basically returning to
the early days where residents knew
their neighbours and are involved with
the well-being of each other."
Gaobepe said that sector policing
meant going back to basics. "It aims at
providing a more effective and person
centered service to the community. It
also creates the opportunity for a
shared responsibility scenario in crime
prevention."
A laptop computer and a digital
camera was also handed over by SAPS
national.
Source:
Express,
Wednesday 9-11 June 2004 p. 1 |