Community Policing Forum (CPF) members unanimously re-elected Haden Searles into the chair of the Durban North and Umhlanga Community Policing Forum on Wednesday, September 29. Long-term office bearers, vice chairman Gary Paul, treasurer Terry Hough and secretary Marion Martin were also re-elected.
Pictured after the Annual General Meeting of the Durban North and Umhlanga Community Policing Forum held at the Oyster Box Hotel on Wednesday, September 29 are, from left: Haden Searles (chairman), Gary Paul (vice-chairman) and Acting Station Commander Lt Col Rene Dhlamuka
Dean MacPherson conducted an election for the executive committee with Bev Nock, Mary Knox, Patrick Gronbeck, Don Smith, Terry Goulding and Caesar Ramdayal voted in for the new year.
Many members of the team which has worked with Searles for the past two-and-a-half years have bonded to build this organisation into an extremely successful group of volunteers, who assist the Durban North Police in establishing and maintaining a partnership between the community and the Police Services in identifying and fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing.
Searles paid tribute to all who work to reduce crime and assist accident cases. In particular he paid tribute to members of the Police Force and the Durban North Police Reservists (recruited and trained with funding from the CPF) who have gone beyond the call of duty.
In his report Searles gave crime statistics in each sector for the current year measured against the previous year. He demonstrated the work done by the volunteers and various support services such as the Business Forum, the Crisis Team and reservists in containing crime.
Carol van Tonder who heads up the DNU Crisis Team said that in the year 2009 – to date their unit had assisted with 750 cases – an increase of 600 over the previous year. Each case comprises an average of three people so their training and trauma counselling has touched the lives of 2 500 people who have suffered tragedy of various forms, in the area.
Now see Umhlanga crime fighting success
Through slide shows Searles demonstrated some of the work undertaken by his team and then presented awards to members of the Police force, CPF, crisis team and reservists who were recognised for their efforts. Businesses which had given financial or product donations were also recognised.
Searles’ appreciation for the efforts of everyone working to fight crime, plus his dedication and hard work have led this community policing forum to be one of the best in South Africa. Durban North and Umhlanga residents can sleep easier knowing so many willing people are striving to ensure their safety.
If you would like to become involved in the CPF contact Haden Searles at haden@community-policing.co.za
**Circulated on behalf of the Durban North and Umhlanga Community Policing Forum. For more information contact Haden Searles on 072 796 30.