WHAT IS A CPF
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) is a body mandated by sections 205 and 206 of the Constitution of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996 together with sections 18 to 23 of the South African Police Service Act No.68 of 1995.
Community Policing Forums are constituted to improve communication between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the community, to promote transparency, and to foster joint problem-solving and co-operation with a view to improving service delivery by the SAPS. The SAPS is answerable to the communities they serve.
The CPF represents the community’s interests and monitors the SAPS’ service delivery. At the same time, the CPF tries to promote the image of the SAPS to the community in order to foster closer ties between the SAPS and the community.
The CPF performs a vital role in the civilian oversight of the SAPS in the precinct. A police service can only be effective when it enjoys the confidence and co-operation of the community which it serves.
The role of the CPF is to make the needs of the community known to the police and to help the police meet those needs. The primary objective is to promote a partnership between the community and the local police and to create an environment that will promote effective local policing that is user-friendly. The CPF assists the South African Police Service in accomplishing these aims.
As a CPF we aim to work with SAPS, other agencies and community groups so that together we can promote safety and security in our area and tackle the issues we face more effectively.
Who is involved?
A CPF involves SAPS, other law Enforcement agencies such as Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic, CIDs (City Improvement Districts); private security firms, local businesses and local community groups such as Neighbourhood Watches.
Public meetings are held with businesses and residents to engage them in safety and security matters.
The Chair of the Sea Point SAPS is Heather Tager. She has been involved in crime prevention in the area for over 20 years and is currently CEO of the Sea Point CID. “This area has seen vast improvements in safety and security in recent years. This has been achieved by the various agencies and residents working together. Information is one means in making people aware of what the current issues are and how they can help. The CPF here hopes that you will find the website informative and help you play your part in the safety of our community.”
What area does the Sea Point CPF cover?
The area is matched by the precinct of the Sea Point SAPS station. This includes Greenpoint, Moullie Point, Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point, Fresnaye and Bantry Bay bounded by the ocean and Signal Hill / Lions Head.
This comprises residents and businesses and is one of Cape Town’s prime visitor destinations for Capetonians, other South Africans and people from across our continent and internationally. The main attractions include the Sea Point and Moullie Point promenades as well as the Cape Town Stadium and Cape Town Urban Park.