According to the SAPS a Community Police Forum is regulated by Section 18 of the South African Police Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) Interim Regulations for Community Police Forums and Boards (Section 3 regulates the establishment of a Community Police Sub-Forum).
1 – The difference between Reservists and Patrol Groups
Reservists
- Appointed under the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) , Section 48
- Has the same powers as a police member (e.g. Arrests, investigate)
- Receive training in: firearms, legal aspects, basic police functions and procedures, etc.
Patrol Groups
- Affiliated to the sector Community Police Sub-Forum
- Limited powers e.g. Citizens arrest
- Limited training (e.g. Basic knowledge of the laws, crime scene management, first aid, etc)
2 – Operational functions of the Community Safety Structures
- Eyes and ears of the SAPS
- If the need arises, carry out a citizen’s arrest in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 68 of 1977), section 42
- Performing patrol duties that will serve as a crime deterrent
- Preserving crime scenes when first on the scene
- Facilitating good relations in the neighbourhood
- Rendering a voluntary service
- Reporting crime and crime in progress to the SAPS
- Creating crime prevention awareness amongst the community
3 – Limitations on the powers of the Community Safety Structures
- No promoting of political agendas/ interests
- No promoting, marketing or selling of security equipment/ services
- Cannot request or enforce registration/ membership fees
- Cannot act as a police official
- Cannot participate in crime prevention operations with the SAPS (e.g. “Stop and search”, roadblocks, etc)
- Cannot wear or use the SAPS insignia in any way on a person or private vehicle
- May not use any rotating/reflecting light of any colour on a private vehicle for the purpose of visibility during patrols
- A community police forum, sub-forum or board has no power of command and control over the Service or any member thereof:
No member of such a forum or board may:
o Wear any insignia or identification mark in respect of any political party, organization, movement or body while attending a meeting of a CPF, sub-forum or boardo Utilize his or her membership of a CPF, sub-forum or board for political interests
- Not entitled to have access to police registers or files without approval
- May only use property belonging to or under the control of the Service with the prior written approval
- The Service is not obliged to provide office accommodation
- No equipment or SAPS store items may be issued to a member of a Community Police Forum, Sub- Forum or Board
- No such member may be allowed to utilize a police vehicle
- May not establish itself as a section 21 company
For more information on sector policing, go to the SAPS website