- The newly elected Claremont Community Policing Forum (CPF) met on 12 February to improve communication between the community and the South African Police Service, aiming to enhance safety.
- CPF coordinator Claire Teriink emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the CPF’s role and fostering a clear partnership between the police and the community.
- The CPF is planning a community outreach project to promote crime prevention, encourage proactive involvement, and strengthen relationships with residents and religious leaders.
The newly elected Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Claremont met for the first time on Wednesday 12 February to discuss ways to improve communication between the community and the South African Police Service.
The meeting introduced new CPF members, elected in December after the previous forum was dissolved due to poor communication and unclear roles.
CPF coordinator Claire Teriink emphasised that the CPF plays a vital role in bridging communication between the community and the police while ensuring safety remains a top priority.
She stressed the importance of raising awareness of the CPF’s role and clearly defining responsibilities.
The police presented crime statistics, highlighting key crime trends in the area. They also shared how the CPF and police can work together. “We discussed what the police needs from the CPF and what we needed from them,” Teriink said. “It’s important to build a strong partnership.”
Col Maree Louw, media liaison for Claremont Police Station, welcomed the new officers.
“I am pleased that we have positive people who want to make a difference. They will work with us to fight crime and ensure we serve the community well. Our first meeting was productive, and I believe we will improve the station’s performance together.”
The CPF is working on a community outreach project, which will be announced soon. This initiative will engage residents and religious leaders to promote safety and awareness. “We encourage the community to be proactive,” Teriink emphasised. “Crime prevention is a shared responsibility.”
The CPF aims to build better communication, increase community involvement, and support the police in creating a safer neighbourhood. Residents are encouraged to participate, stay informed, and help fight crime.
With a strong commitment to teamwork and transparency, the Claremont CPF hopes to make a real impact on community safety.
