The Pretoria North Sector 1 CPF has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at encouraging more residents to play an active role in creating safer neighbourhoods through community policing.

The campaign highlights the important role that community members can play in supporting the SAPS by participating in crime prevention initiatives, joining patrols and reporting suspicious activity.

Through an awareness drive, the CPF is educating residents about what the organisation does, who can join and the benefits of becoming a member or community patroller.

CPF spokesperson Lebo Moloi said community involvement remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.

“Crime prevention cannot be left to the police alone. When communities work together with SAPS, security companies and other stakeholders, we create an environment where criminals find it much harder to operate. Every resident has a role to play in making Pretoria North a safer place,” said Moloi.

A CPF is a legal body established in terms of the Constitution of South Africa, the SAPS Act, SAPS Internal Regulations and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

It serves as a bridge between police and the communities they serve, promoting co-operation and accountability while encouraging residents to become active participants in local safety initiatives.

As part of the campaign, the CPF is inviting residents to volunteer as community patrollers.

Patrollers work alongside law enforcement by conducting visible patrols, reporting suspicious behaviour and assisting during emergencies when required.

Their presence also helps increase visibility in crime hotspots and provides reassurance to residents.

According to the CPF, increased community patrols contribute to faster reporting of suspicious activities, improve communication with police and may help prevent crimes before they occur.

Moloi said becoming a patroller is about serving the community rather than enforcing the law.

“Our patrollers are ordinary residents who volunteer their time because they care about their community.

“They act as the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood by reporting incidents and assisting authorities where necessary. Their visibility alone often acts as a deterrent to criminal activity,” she said.

Residents interested in joining the CPF are required to complete an application form through their local sector before undergoing a mandatory vetting process.

This includes fingerprint verification and a criminal background check conducted by SAPS to ensure that all volunteers meet the required standards.

The recruitment campaign also promotes the CPF’s communication platforms, which include a growing radio network, WhatsApp community groups and its Facebook page.

The radio network enables members to remain connected during emergencies and continues operating even during power outages, while WhatsApp groups provide residents with real-time community safety information.

Moloi encouraged residents who want to make a positive difference to consider joining the organisation.

“Every additional volunteer strengthens our ability to protect the community. Whether you become a patroller, a radio user or simply an active member, your involvement helps build stronger partnerships and safer neighbourhoods for everyone.

“Together, we can make Pretoria North a community where people feel secure,” she said.

The CPF hopes the campaign will inspire more residents to become involved in community policing and contribute towards a safer future for Pretoria North.

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