Minister Plato launches 2016/17 Policing Needs and Priorities Consultations

 Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Tomorrow, I launch the Western Cape 2016/17 Policing Needs and Priorities (PNPs) determination process in Paarl.

The annual determination of the policing needs and priorities in the province will see the Department of Community Safety hold public consultation sessions for each of the 16 police clusters between May and October this year.

The engagements will take the format of a two-day consultative workshop and will include representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Municipalities, Community Police Forums (CPFs), Community Safety Forums (CSF), non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, faith based organisations, Neighbourhood Watches (NHW), and other local safety stakeholders.

A key feature of the 2016/17 PNP process will be the extensive training provided to Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums – the pulse of citizen-led safety interventions in our communities.

A full day will be set aside to allow for much greater engagement with the Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums on their invaluable roles and responsibilities in our communities. The Department will also address any concerns around the full implementation of the Community Safety Act (CSA), its regulations and most importantly the Expanded Partnership Programme (EPP).

The EPP remains a very important instrument that enables CPFs to execute their statutory functions. The Department has made R10.5 million available through the EPP to support CPF structures over the next 3 financial years.

The objective of the policing needs programme is to gain a comprehensive understanding of what communities identify as their immediate policing needs and priorities. It also aims to improve police accountability, transparency and ultimately influence resource allocation.

The 2016/17 PNPs builds on the recently released 2015/16 PNP report, and will see all safety stakeholders play a pivotal role in updating the Community Safety Plan for each cluster. The Safety Plan, now in its second year of existence, is a safety blueprint for communities, and is based on shared ownership, responsibility and accountability for safety by all role-players involved.

The PNP determination process will culminate in the official Provincial PNP 2016/17 report being handed over to the National Police management, as a means of advocating for safety resources on behalf of Western Cape residents.

Section 206(1) of the Constitution requires that the Cabinet Minister (national) responsible for policing must determine national policing policy after consulting provincial governments. The policing needs and priorities of each province, as determined by the provincial executive, must be taken into account.

We are committed to concluding the determination process in October, to allow for the adequate time for the information to have an impact on budget considerations.

To help create safer environments, effective partnerships are needed between the police, law enforcement entities, all spheres of government and communities as a united front.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility and the PNP determination process for 2016/17 provides the platform where everyone’s voice in the province can be heard.

More information on the PNP consultation process, or to confirm attendance, Tel: 021 483 6370; e-mail: pnp@westerncape.gov.za ; or register your organisation on our database at www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/community-safety . Please find below the full list of public meetings to be held. The complete list of meetings, with updated venues and times, is available at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/policing-needs-and-priorities-western-cape

Details of the first PNP consultation session:

There will be an opportunity for photographs and interviews.

Note: All media are invited to attend

Date: Friday, 13 May 2016

Details:  Safety Feedback, PNP Determination and review of Safety Plans

Time: 08:30 – 16:00 (Minister Plato’s opening address at 09:00)

Venue:  Drakenstein Correctional Facility Hall, R301 between Paarl and Franschhoek

Date:  Saturday, 14 May 2016

Details: Workshopping NHW and CPF partnerships, EPP support and CSA

Time:  08:30 – 16:00 (Minister Plato’s opening address at 09:00)

Venue: Drakenstein Correctional Facility Hall, R301 between Paarl and Franschhoek

Full list of PNP scheduled: