The Community Police Forum (CPF) is a platform where community members, organizations (such as CBOs, NGOs, NHWs and businesses) and other stakeholders (including provincial and local government) collaborate with the police to discuss local crime prevention strategies.
The CPF's key functions include:
- Promoting accountability of local police to the community
- Encouraging community cooperation with the police
- Monitoring police effectiveness and efficiency
- Advising on local policing priorities
- Evaluating services such as resource distribution, handling of complaints, patrolling, record-keeping, reporting, and making recommendations
Legal Framework:
- CPFs are established under Section 221(2) of the Constitution and Section 19(1) of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995.
- CPFs, in partnership with businesses and the police, aim to enhance communication, cooperation, service delivery, transparency, and accountability, while addressing community policing needs and promoting joint problem-solving.
