Newsroom/Press Releases/
The Open Opportunity Society in Action: Local Police Station Initiative Yields Results
6 November 2008
DIANNE KOHLER BARNARD, MPDA SPOKESPERSON ON SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Democratic Alliance (DA) congratulates those behind a local community safety and crime prevention initiative being implemented in Gugulethu, Western Cape. (1)
The initiative is disarmingly simple and cost-effective - all it requires is effort and attention - something all police stations can provide. The station commissioner, Duma Ntsezo and the police management took it upon themselves to see what they could do to improve service delivery. After meeting with local residents and listening to their concerns, the station divided Gugulethu into four sectors and ensured that each sector had basic permanent resources and that police members obtain ongoing feedback from the community through regular meetings.
While this local plan is based on the official sector-policing model, too often the model fails because sectors are badly drawn up, are not allocated dedicated resources, or fail to engage with the public. The Gugulethu plan works because of the drive and enthusiasm of the local police. According to the communication officer "We are receiving overwhelming attention and support...we strongly believe that a concrete foundation is being constructed".
This week, the DA released a discussion document on police station equipment shortages, while at the same time, drawing attention to the critical difference good leadership, commitment and effort can make at station level. Gugulethu's police station has shown that simple hard work, effort and initiative can yields positive results in the fight against crime. During the month of October, the station made 489 arrests for serious crimes.
We commend Gugulethu police station for its willingness to go the extra mile in protecting and serving and we urge other stations to follow their example.
