Florida police meet with Jerusalema community
One of the main items discussed on the day was the community members’ willingness to trust the police.
In the wake of recent incidents involving illegal miners and the murder of four people who were shot dead in Jerusalema Informal Settlement after gunmen opened fire inside a local shebeen, it became clear that strong relationships of mutual trust between police and the community are critical.
Florida Station Commander Colonel Amos Tsotetsi agrees that police officials rely on the cooperation of community members to provide information about crime in their neighbourhoods, and to work with the police to devise solutions to crime and disorder problems.
On Wednesday, October 26 Florida police embarked on a community engagement session with Jerusalema Informal Settlement leaders.
One of the main items discussed on the day was the community members’ willingness to trust the police.
According to Tsotetsi, community involvement, partnership in policing is the key and assuring the community of Florida, especially Jerusalema, that working together with the law enforcement agency is important.
“They must be educated about working with the police, it was one of many meetings to follow. The community must take charge of their environment and involve law enforcement. Community intelligence and multi-disciplinary operations utilising the 5 pillars – crime intelligence approach, proactive approach, rapid response approach, reactive approach and communication and liaison approach – which will win the hearts of the community. Working together we can do more,” said Tsotetsi.
