The South African Police Service has launched a public participation process to give communities a direct say in how they are policed.

Communities invited to help shape policing

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the initiative forms part of compliance with Equality Court orders and aims to strengthen community policing.

“The process allows residents to indicate how they want to be policed and what number of officers they believe is sufficient for their local stations,” he said.

The programme, known as the Station Post Requirement (SPR), will run in KwaZulu-Natal from April 13 to 16, with teams visiting 11 police stations across the province. In Dundee, the engagement will be at 10h00 in the Moth  Hall on April 16

It is guided by Section 205 of the Constitution and relevant sections of the SAPS Act, which promote community involvement in policing.

Teams made up of officers from organisational development, proactive policing, communication and Community Police Forums will lead the engagements.

Local meetings include a session at Dundee Police Station on April 16 at 10:00 at the Moth Community Hall.

Police said the process aims to improve staffing and overall effectiveness at stations, ultimately helping to reduce crime and create safer communities.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings to raise concerns, make suggestions and be part of decisions affecting policing in their areas.