Muizenberg police station has welcomed 15 new recruits to its Community in Blue (CIB) programme that involves residents in crime-prevention efforts.
Muizenberg police chief Colonel Jacqui Johnson issued the new recruits with jackets and caps on Thursday August 15 after they finished their training.
“I’m proud of their achievements and look forward to a successful partnership between SAPS and the CIB,” she said, adding that the new recruits would help to improve service delivery in the precinct.
SAPS launched the CIB programme in 2018, and, according to Muizenberg police spokesperson Captain Stephen Knapp, it started in the Muizenberg precinct last year.
“The CIB members are residents who operate within their own communities, acting as the eyes and ears on the ground, reporting criminal activities and suspicious behaviour to the authorities,” he said.
Muizenberg Community Police Forum secretary said that unlike neighbourhood watch members, the CIB volunteers could help the police during special operations and work under the supervision of an SAPS officer.
“Examples of what they do include patrols in hot-spot areas such as the beachfront, where the theft of motor vehicles is a constant problem. They also participate in visibility patrols in residential areas and assist the police during roadblocks by distributing safety pamphlets,” she said.
CIB members undergo training provided by SAPS, covering various aspects of the law and its implementation. The programme is voluntary, and members receive no remuneration.
Louise Phillips, a CIB member involved in training the new recruits, first joined the neighbourhood watch five years ago.
“As I got more involved, I began patrolling and eventually became the neighbourhood watch chair two years ago. When I heard about the CIB programme, I was eager to join and help out at the police station,” she said.
Ms Phillips said the training took place over two weekends after which the trainees had to pass a test.
“We now have 23 members dedicated to making our community safer,” she said.
The programme is open to volunteers aged 18 to 65 who are reasonably fit and do not have a criminal record. Those interested should approach their neighbourhood watch for more information.
