Safety and Security is a priority for the Stellenbosch Municipality. During the tabling of the 2021/22 budget, Mayor Gesie van Deventer allocated funding to two new policies geared towards providing more visible policing on the ground – protecting and safeguarding our communities. A third externally funded policy was also approved by Council.
These policies are:
• Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officers Policy
• Rewards for Criminal Information Policy
• Law Enforcement and Traffic Officer Policy
The Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officers Policy will allow the municipality to invest in public safety, train members of the community and open career paths for residents who want to serve their communities. R400 000 has been allocated for the 2021/2022 financial year to train and equip up to 20 auxiliary officers. These officers will serve in a voluntary capacity and will not receive any compensation. They will however be fully trained and equipped to serve.
Provision has also been made in the budget for the new Rewards for Criminal Information Policy. This policy establishes guidelines for the management of confidential information and for the compensation of persons who provide information leading to an arrest, confiscation and the recovery of stolen goods.
Starting on 1 July 2021, we will also be implementing our externally funded Law Enforcement and Traffic Officer Policy. This will enable private businesses to contribute financially to the recruitment of additional Law Enforcement and Traffic Officers. Private business and other interested organisations will be able to secure a predetermined level of law enforcement services within defined areas at a determined fee, allowing for an increase in visible policing across the region.
Through this Policy, private entities will essentially be able to rent a Law Enforcement and/or Traffic Official to work in a specific area. The partner will bear the costs of equipment, uniforms, training and salaries by paying a pre-determined, fixed annual amount and the Directorate of Community and Protection Services will provide trained, equipped and capable Law Enforcement and Traffic Officials to serve these institutions.
Although policing is not a municipal function, we are committed to doing everything within our legal framework to create safer communities for our residents.
