This week, reports surfaced detailing the alleged mismanagement of the Grassy Park Police Station by the station commander. In response, the Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) voiced concern that the precincts staff approached media to address an “in-house” issue. In a bid to effectively address noted concerns, the CPF has now called for a commission of inquiry into the management of the station, citing that low police morale impacts service delivery.

“There are many service delivery complaints, with residents claiming no police response days after a complaint was lodged, even in the case where perpetrators are on the property or in the area for apprehension. The CPF understands that these concerns were previously brought to the attention of the police cluster and provincial office. In all of these, the CPF had not been informed either by the station commander or the cluster and provincial police structures,” CPF spokesperson, Philip Bam stated in the People’s Post.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the CPF, Fuad Titus explains that while he notes the fact that members of the police service stationed at the Grassy Park precinct have approached media to air their concerns, answers will surface through an independent investigation.

With regard to the management of services at the precinct, he says that problems have been reported, but that staff requires a viable platform in which they can confidently address their concerns.

“With the police’s problems coming out in the media, we thought that would be best to ask for an arena where members can raise their question and get answers and be protected with regards their job descriptions and growth within the services,” he added.

Though admitting that the process will take time, Titus asserts that authorities need to address service delivery issues across the spectrum.

He says that without a establishing a body that can independently assess the situation at the Grasy Park Police Station, the true concerns may never be address and community and staff frustrations will inevitably persist.

Given the fact that Grassy Park residents have mobilized approximately 1000 neighbourhood watch members, Titus confirmed that the CPF is currently in the process of applying for an inquiry into the management of Grassy Park Police Station.

“Our aim is to get the police and the community to work together to deal with crime in the area. Crime in Grassy Park has taken a big dip, it is not as serious as it used to be two years ago. So, we have achieved quite a bit.”

VOC