WhatsApp groups not an emergency line – SAPS
“It is unrealistic to expect police officers to monitor WhatsApp groups all the time.”
WhatsApp groups are not an emergency line and residents should still use the police’s 10111 call centre, Brooklyn police said this week.
“Residents should note that while WhatsApp groups may be effective in disseminating information, they are not emergency lines,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
She said such social media platforms help CPFs tremendously and also helps the SAPS with information and tip-offs.
However, they are not an emergency helpline in which residents may request SAPS assistance.
“Police officers on the groups are not always available and it is unrealistic to expect them to monitor WhatsApp groups all the time.”
“The best way to get police assistance is to contact the 10111 number.”
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She said the 10111 call centre operator dealt timeously with calls and dispatched the SAPS to attend to incidents.
As proof of the call and for future reference, residents will be given a reference number.
Weilbach said the SAPS have a set standard of 10 minutes in which patrol vehicles must respond to complaints. Stations are evaluated on this reaction time on their performance.
As soon as information of this kind is received, it is channelled to the relevant police officials to attend to it.
Residents also do not have to give their name when reporting a crime through SAPS Crime Stop. A tip-off can also be submitted at www.saps.gov.za.
Weilbach also encouraged residents to get involved with the Brooklyn CPF to help fight crime.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the CPF, can e-mail andrewf12@gmail.com and/or golda.meyer8@gmail.com.
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