Bitou Municipality adds punch to its safety forces
PLETTENBERG BAY - The training of 20 new peace officers to boost Bitou Municipality's law enforcement capability was described as "manna from heaven" by Bitou Mayor Dave Swart.
The peace officers, who started training on Wednesday 27 September, will boost the municipality's law enforcement when they start working in November. At the end of the six-week training period, the group will assist Bitou in ensuring greater safety for citizens and residents and will be ready to operate during the holiday peak season in December.
They are part of the peace officers-traffic warden training programme that forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP). This plan aims to strengthen the law enforcement capacity of municipalities across the Western Cape, particularly to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime within communities.
Along with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta) certificate, graduates also received a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract/internship within the respective municipality. Their training consists of two component elements which will equip them with the capability to demonstrate and understand the role and
function of a peace officer, as well as a traffic warden.
Swart encouraged the trainees not to waste the opportunity that they have been given. "You have been through a tough selection
process, which has led you here. For those who foresee a future in law enforcement, this is the beginning," he said.
Melony Paulsen, Bitou Director of Community Services, said many applications were received and the successful ones "must grab the opportunity with both hands". She said not only will the municipality benefit from the programme, but so too will the participating individuals.