Experiences of community policing forum members in liaison with SAPS, private security and community members regarding community policing

Community policing plays a pivotal role both nationally and internationally in the reduction of crime. The purpose of this study is to highlight how community policing forum (CPF) members experience community policing in liaison with the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security and community members in the South West Tshwane policing area in Gauteng, South Africa. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 36 participants, purposively sampled from the Laudium, Lyttelton and Wierdabrug police precincts. Observations were also made in the different policing precincts. The data were thematically analysed. The results show that, owing to a variety of factors, the police alone cannot reduce crime in communities. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended wherein CPFs, private security firms and community members work together to mobilise their expertise and resources with the aim of attaining a safe and secure living environment for all citizens.