Police in Florida have extended an invitation to the community for volunteers to man the Florida Police Station’s Youth Desk, an initiative which has not been formally implemented at the station for some years.

Volunteers fall under the Social Crime Unit, and their responsibilities include working at local schools, churches, and in communities, creating awareness about issues like drugs, child abuse, bullying and much more.

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According to the Social Crime Unit commander at the station, Constable Cisky Mashele, the Youth Desk would also work closely with the station’s Victim Support Unit and social workers in dealing with minor victims, witnesses, and perpetrators of crime.

“We have very challenging conditions throughout the Florida policing precinct due to, among others, the varying demographics we have to deal with.

“In some areas, children are brought up to fear the police and view us as the enemy, since their parents are either involved in crime, or they are told that if they are naughty, the police will come and take them to jail.

“At the same time, we work in the more affluent areas, where drug and addiction-related problems among the youth are more prominent.”

Mashele adds that child abuse, negligence, and exploitation, conflict and bullying, and missing children are also issues the youth desk would focus on.

“We need volunteers from throughout the entire Florida Policing Precinct to take part,” he says, adding that volunteers will receive training in all the proficiencies required for the role.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Mashele on 079 694 6759 or send an email to MasheleCH@saps.gov.za.