What bang are Obs residents getting for their buck?

By: Graham Porter, OBSID Public Safety Committee Chairperson,

Public safety is arguably the most important aspect of any community, especially in a suburb, like Observatory, with significant challenges.

And while Obs is fortunate to have complementary services offered by the Observatory Improvement District, there is still the struggle of getting the most effective service for the least amount of money. We are all ratepayers and taxpayers after all.

So, how do those of us involved in this task ensure that we get, and give the very best we can, to our community?

I for one, chose to get involved. In October 2015, I started as a volunteer to OBSID COO Hudson McComb, to assist in the structure and processes for the security complement. I was first involved with the security service providers contracted to provide Public Safety (PS) services to the community, and later as a committee member.

I also joined the Obs Neighbourhood Watch in 2015, and the Community Policing Forum this year.

All three portfolio's are involved with public safety and security, and with our local SAPS team at Woodstock, make up the services that protect all of us in Obs.

So what bang are you getting for your buck?

Obsid Public Safety

The main task of the Public Safety (PS) team is to provide eyes and ears and relay information and alerts, to both the community, and to South African Police Services (SAPS). Public Safety officers do not have the same powers as a SAPS officer does.

The Obsid Public Safety arm has, however, employed two Metro Law Enforcement Officers, who have more powers than our PS officers. They can stop and search, arrest and issue fines. A Law enforcement training centre will replace the Metro training college next to the village green.

Every PS shift, has two vehicles with drivers, 2 foot Patrollers, a shift lead or commander.

The control room operator is tasked with the collecting alerts by telephone, SMS, Whatsapp, or radio.

Public Safety Management.

The OBSID Public Safety management consists of 2 members, one on day shift, one on night shift.

They are responsible for the day to day tasking and management of all the PS security resources.

The ops managers work very closely with the Metro Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's), tasking and directing them on our specific priorities, particularly on by-law infringements.

You, the resident

Residents, civic organisations play an important role in Public Safety.

The 1,500 Whatsapp group users are a great example of what this can achieve.

Residents have huge leverage to influence the public safety by simply reporting.

South African Police Services.

Then last, but certainly not least, our SAPS brothers and sisters.

The sector vehicle in our sector, the visible policing vehicles, the sector commanders vehicle and others, all move in and out of our area 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We call them for arrests, for confiscated drug collections, for prevention operations, for noise complaints, for special operations and vehicle stops. We are working hard to have a tighter relationship with them in the Community Policing Forum (CPF) space.

All of these layers, make up the Public Safety Infrastructure in Observatory. We are committed to keep improving it.

A huge Thank You to the Public Safety committee members, those whose attend our AGMs and meetings, the OCA and the ONW and to SAPS.

The Public Safety arena in the OBSID special ratings area is now better positioned than at any time in the past.