The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) has paid tribute to its volunteer patrollers, recognising their dedication and commitment to helping create a safer community through their ongoing service.

Freda Boiles, the public relations officer of the CPF, described their patrollers as ordinary residents who voluntarily give up their personal time to support community safety, often patrolling during early mornings, late nights, weekends and public holidays.

“Every patrol begins with a simple decision to volunteer personal time so that others may feel safer.”

Read more: Douglasdale CPF Sector 1 committee elections

The organisation said the volunteers serve without expecting recognition or reward, motivated instead by a belief that community safety begins with neighbours caring for one another.

Boile said patrollers provide a visible presence within the Douglasdale policing precinct, observe and report suspicious activity, support emergency responders where required and assist wherever possible.

The forum emphasised that CPF patrollers are not law enforcement officers but trained volunteers who work alongside the South African Police Service, private security companies, emergency services and other community stakeholders.

“They serve as the eyes and ears of the community, understanding that their role is to observe, communicate and assist, while always placing the safety of the public, their fellow patrollers and themselves first.”

Beyond routine patrols, volunteers also assist during severe weather incidents, road closures, traffic-related incidents, crime prevention operations and community events, where their presence provides additional support and reassurance to residents.

“Their calm presence often provides reassurance to residents during difficult or uncertain moments.

“Our CPF patrollers freely give their time because they believe that safer communities are built when neighbours care about one another and work together.”

Also read: Douglasdale CPF shines light on community safety

Boiles added that the volunteers’ contribution is measured not by the number of hours they dedicate but by their compassion, professionalism, integrity and commitment to the community.

“They ask for no recognition, seek no reward, and expect nothing in return other than knowing they may have helped make someone’s day a little safer.”

The forum also thanked the families of the volunteers, acknowledging that their encouragement and support make the continued service of the patrollers possible.

“The next time you see our CPF patrollers on patrol, whether on foot or in a patrol vehicle, give them a wave, a smile, or a simple thank you. Those small gestures of appreciation mean a great deal to volunteers who freely give their time in service to our community.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!