Officer Austin takes bullying head-on in Villieria
When Warrant Officer Marinda Austin arrives at schools, learners know that bullying, child-crime and drugs would be discussed.
She has become a familiar sight over the past 27 years to learners in the Villieria policing area.
When Warrant Officer Marinda Austin arrives at schools, learners know that bullying, child-crime and drugs would be discussed.
“It’s my passion to work with kids,” Austin told Rekord.
She has been working as school safety co-ordinator at Villieria police station for the past 14 years.
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Austin kicked off her career at the police college in 1992.
“I grew up in a police house. My father was a detective, ”she said.
“That’s how I’ve always known that I want to be in the police industry. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. ”
Austin said that talking about these issues at schools was not easy.
“Circumstances at schools made it necessary to talk about these problems,” she said.
“It’s not easy to talk about these issues at all and you have to deal with them on a daily basis. Every case is not the same either.”
Austin said she has to make life-changing decisions on a daily basis.
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“Sometimes, I have to make a decision on the spur of the moment that can change a life,” she said.
“Every day has its own challenge, and every matter is different.”
Despite that, Austin said she enjoyed her job.
“I really enjoy working with children,” she said.
Station spokesperson Captain Coba Brits said they appreciated the work Austin was doing in the community.
“One good officer, like Austin, can make a huge difference.”
She said Austin had made a positive impact on schools in the community.
“She’s something to be proud of,” Brits said.
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Brits said Austin visits schools in the area daily.
She said there were 24 schools, reaching about 16 000 learners.
“Informing a child on a daily basis is important,” Brits said.
“It’s not easy to reach everyone, but Austin gets it right and she’s involved in all the schools.”
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