During the anual meeting on 9 March 2015 the Silverton SAPS reported that due to their efforts and their close relationship with the community the number of dockets opened by the police has almost halved.

The rate at which new dockets are opened is something that the police constantly monitors. According to the station commander the number of dockets opened on a weekly basis has fallen to half of what it used to be.

Thank you very much to all the Silverton CPA patrollers and the members of the South African Police Service in our area.

Since the police have joined the radio network the response from the police has been phenominal. The Silverton SAPS vehicle on patrol is equipped with a radio linked to the Silverton CPA radio network. Our patrollers can therefore communicate directly to the police officers on duty. When incidents are reported the police can hear the radio traffic and respond. They can also be called by the radio controller on duty to assist.

From domestic violence to shoplifting and other criminal acts this communication channel has had a profound effect on the police response times as well as the community's perception of our local police force. We can all see how the police are striving to stop crime and their willingness to involve the community has opened many eyes.

So don't critisise the police, help them! Join the Silverton CPA, or your nearest community patrol or police organisation and work with SAPS to prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.