CITY HONOURS VOLUNTEERS
Awards ceremony ‘a small token of appreciation’ for those who help to fight crime
THE City has honoured its law enforcement volunteers for their outstanding contribution to the fight against crime.
The awards ceremony took place in the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre last night.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the ceremony was a small token of appreciation for their efforts.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase the work they do in service to Cape Town and her residents. For that, we thank them.”
The Auxiliary Law Enforcement Service was established in November 2013, when the first 16 volunteers set out on the streets.
The programme allows for members of the public to register as volunteers to participate in fighting crime and assist with law enforcement duties. Five years later, the volunteer corps has grown to 529.
“Volunteerism has been key to the Safety and Security Directorate’s achievements over the years. Between Law Enforcement and the Disaster Risk Management Centre, we have nearly a thousand volunteers who quietly go about the business of helping us build a safer city.”
All auxiliary members are trained in the Criminal Procedure Act and other components applicable to their duties at the Metro Police College.
They are required to work a minimum of 16 hours a month under the guidance of permanent law enforcement staff.
Smith added that the Auxiliary Law Enforcement officers have had their fair share of successes, from recovering drugs and stolen property to arresting dangerous criminals.
Between December last year and last month, the Auxiliary Volunteer Service recorded a number of successes.
These included 860 Section 341 fines being issued; 220 suspects being searched; 35 suspects being arrested on double warrants; and 16 arrests on a range of charges, including poaching, hijacking, rape, armed robbery and possession of drugs.
“The successes, of which there have been many, come from their passion and commitment to serving their communities and we thank them for their selfless dedication,” Smith said.
Investing in the service, Law Enforcement has introduced its latest acquisition, namely the procurement of 30 vehicles to improve mobility and visibility.
“The return on investment is evident not only in the enforcement statistics, but also in the succession planning within Law Enforcement,” Smith added.
He said that when Expanded Public Works Programme opportunities became available, such as the Stabilisation Unit, they already had trained and functioning volunteers who could apply for these positions.