Sector 4 opens its new and improved office
The Sector 4 Community Policing Forum recently moved out of their previous office in an attempt to save money, and in the process found a better space next to one of its partners.
Community Policing Forums (CPFs) have become more important than ever before.
Very often, they’re the first at the scene of a crime, accident or fire. How do they get there before the actual emergency services? Usually it comes down to proximity. CPF volunteers are actual residents of the very neighborhoods they protect. If something happens a street down from their homes, they can respond within a short few minutes.
It’s easy, then, to see their allure to the general public, who know they might some day need their help. Their growing popularity has created other problems, such as an increased need for volunteers, equipment and a larger base of operations. All of this costs money, sometimes more than this important organisation brings in from membership fees.
CPF Sector 4 received quite a large helping hand in this regard. On Saturday, 1 June, the group cut the ribbon at their brand new offices which are altogether larger, better equipped and more central than their previous offices. How much did this set them back? Well, nothing really. In fact, they’ll actually be saving on rent from now on as their partnership with Apcan Security has secured them a space on their property, rent free. Sector 4 and Apcan often work closely together to protect the Noordheuwel, Monument, Wentworth Park and Factoria areas, which makes it beneficial for both to be right next door to one another.
To address the equipment issue, Silverstar donated various items such as a firefighting three-wheeler, which is equipped with a pump, water tank and other fire and emergency equipment, 200 140-litre yellow wheelie dustbins for recycling efforts, jackets, shirts, cones, flares, hard hats, goggles, tools, spades, torches, fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment. This donation is valued at a massive R550 000, and will immensely aid CPF members in their protection of the community.
“Our CPFs are run solely by volunteers from the community, consistently delivering an excellent 24/7 service, as capable first responders in incidents of crime, road accidents, fire, first aid emergencies and others, and are the eyes and ears of the police in our areas. Supporting these brave and committed organisations and individuals will contribute towards a safer and better environment for all residents,” said Anneke Potgieter, Silverstar’s Operations Director.
