It is 17 years since community police forums (CPFs) became a reality in South Africa.
In Soweto there are eight police stations, each with its own CPF. The establishment of CPFs was provided for in section 221(2) of the constitution and section 19(1) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995.
The objectives of CPFs are clearly stated in section 18(1) of the SAPS Act. CPFs, together with the police, should:
l Establish and maintain a partnership with the community;
l Promote communication between police and the community;
l Promote co-operation and ensure that the police fulfil the needs of the community in respect of policing;
l Improve the service of the police to the community;
l Improve transparency and accountability of the SAPS; and
l Promote joint problem identification and problem-solving.