Parkwood community provides feedback on newly deployed Neighbourhood Safety Officers

The community of Parkwood was given an opportunity to provide feedback on the recently deployed the City of Cape Town Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs), part of a historic expansion of neighbourhood safety across the city. 

Residents had expressed a general wish to have officers present on weekends as well, especially at night, when criminal activity tends to spike. 

This initiative follows the rollout of 700 new Metro Police officers, with five officers assigned to each of the city’s 93 wards -  one sergeant and four constables trained to engage with communities and manage safety challenges effectively.

Parkwood, long plagued by cable and copper theft, drugs, and gangsterism that often escalates to murder, saw a strong show of force as officers took to the streets to engage with residents and assess the impact of their presence. 

The officers, who completed an intensive 18-month learnership programme, are trained in traffic enforcement, firearm competency, evidence-based policing, tactical operations, EPIC technology, and civic engagement.

The community engagement began at the Canal Walk informal settlement, where officers conducted searches and engaged directly with locals.

Residents were also given the opportunity to address Cape Town’s Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member, JP Smith, sharing their problems, compliments, and complaints directly with him.

The patrol then moved along Dove Road and into Acacia Road, adjacent to the notorious Hoosain Parker Walk, where officers conducted random vehicle checks, verifying licences and stopping motorists for traffic violations.

Residents were united in their praise for the visible policing presence, saying it made them feel safer. “Things run smoothly in the week, but by the time it hits the weekend and the visibility dies down, that’s when the criminality happens,” said one resident.

 “We’re not blaming them, we know there are hotter spots than Parkwood but this is helping us, and we need them here on weekends too, especially at night.”

Many locals were even willing to provide tip-offs to officers. “Ons is gatvol (we are tired) of these young children wanting to take over, so yes, if I see a policeman, I’m going to do my part,” said another community member.

However, others remained cautious, explaining fear of retaliation still looms large.

“One minute you talk, the next you’re on their hit list,” said one hesitant resident.

Officers deployed in the area also noted a shift in community behaviour. One officer commented that the increased patrols have not only helped reduce crime but also fostered greater respect for the law. “We’re seeing fewer people drinking and driving. People come to us in confidence about illegal dumping and other concerns. They’re starting to make use of our service.”

According to Monique Duval, spokesperson for JP Smith, the officers patrolling Parkwood are “a triple threat” trained in traffic enforcement, law enforcement, metro policing, and evidence-based policing. “That’s why you’ll see them setting up random stop systems for cars,” Duval explained.

JP Smith added: “NSOs must be working, because you now get calls from the community about the officers giving them fines for contravening bylaws. This is part of making the City safe.”

Parkwood ward councillor William Akim confirmed that the intensified patrols are already showing results.

“For instance, the Canal Walk informal settlement has long been used as a stash spot for shooters. Now, they can’t just run in here because the gaps along the canal have been closed, and officers know exactly what happens here.”

The NSO programme builds on existing policing efforts, including the LEAP programme, which already places over 900 officers in 23 high-crime wards. In addition to ward-level policing, the NSO teams provide a dedicated unit for the N2/Airport precinct and offer protection escorts for frontline service delivery teams in crime hotspots.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus