Summing up the police station’s year, Kruger said there had been lots of support for the police from the community, which was seen at a number of police awareness days that were well supported by the public.
The Douglasdale community policing forum initiated their volunteer programme this year to assist police in the station’s client service centre. Kruger praised the programme saying, “People can be critical of the police as they walk into a station but if they are well-received and see members of the community in the station it breaks down barriers.”The Douglasdale police have also experienced some internal re-organisation this year and Kruger said they now have dedicated officers for specific tasks, such as the introduction of the new tactical team which frees up sector managers so they can now focus all their time on sector issues and create good relationships with the community in each sector.
One of the biggest incidents in the precinct this year was the Kya Sands fire and Kruger commended the community on their show of support for the victims. “There are no other such examples of community spirit in the country that I know of,” he said.
To all the Fourways residents going away during the festive season Kruger said, “I would like to reassure the community that Douglasdale police will still be here in strength over the holiday. We will look after your properties in your absence but we also urge all community members to take precautions and make sure their security systems are in good working order.”
