Action Society today presented basic crime scene management training for neighbourhood watch groups and the Community Policing Forum members in Gugulethu.
“The training is crucial for the men and women who are often the first responders at crime scenes in their communities,” said Action Society’s Action Centre coordinator, Kaylynn Palm. “The single police station in Gugulethu serves thousands of residents, often presenting challenges, including delayed response times to crime scenes by police officers.”
The day kicked off with an early morning patrol in hotspots in the area. Walking through the area, members in their brightly coloured jackets highlighted their concerns, including murder, robberies and housebreaking.
The neighbourhood watch members are usually on the road patrolling at 5 am for five hours and then return in the evening again.
“Action Society’s session included helpful and practical information on managing a crime scene,” explained Palm. “It is important to preserve a crime scene because if the scene is tampered with or something goes wrong, that victim will not see justice.”
The trainers also advised how to support a rape victim and which procedures to follow to ensure a successful case, prosecution and conviction.
Action Society will continue to empower and upskill community members who want to keep their suburbs safer, working with the people who dedicate their time and energy daily to make their neighbourhoods safer.
