Eight Junior Police Commissioners were appointed by the Athlone Police Station to be their ears and eyes in schools in their precinct.
With bullying, whether physically or cyber, a known fact, and on social media, they were appointed to help the police curb this trend at schools.
“During the monthly meetings of the police in the Athlone District we receive feedback on these crimes at our schools as well as other crimes. The Athlone District includes police stations like Strandfontein, Steenberg,
Philippi, Grassy Park, Athlone and Mowbray. At the Athlone Police Station we decided to start with the junior commissioner programme to help our youth at schools,” says Sgt Zita
Norman, spokesperson of Athlone police.
“The youth of today face different challenges than when we were young. Some of them don’t share their daily ordeals with family or friends and bottle everything up. By keeping quiet they can become depressed or even commit suicide because they feel they are no longer welcome. Being a junior commissioner of Athlone Police Station they can confide in me and share the challenges they face so that together we can address the issues,” she says.
In her sessions with the junior commissioners they share their experiences.
“Sometimes all the youth need is someone to listen to and by working together we can make a difference.
