Share your ideas on how to improve policing

The Green Paper on Policing sets out the broad policy thrust for the South African Police Service over the medium to long-term. It aims to provide a framework for building a professional, accountable, transparent and responsive police service.

During a quarterly meeting between Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, and all MECs responsible for policing (MINMEC) held on Friday in Boksburg, a call was made to South Africans to contribute and share their views and suggestions around the policy formulation process on the kind of policing they aspire and expect in future.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Police, Makhotso Sotyu, National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega and MECs from Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape. MECs from Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo tendered apologies due to other commitments.

Mthethwa noted that the policy must position the police service to adapt and respond to a constantly evolving crime landscape while remaining steadfast in its commitment to democratic policing.

"This policy document therefore articulates the Ministry of Police's vision for policing for the future. This piece of legislation has far reaching safety implications hence the importance of a broader consultation process,' Mthethwa said.

The MINMEC stressed that the Civilian Secretariat for Police would need to ensure that it reaches the majority of South Africans as part of its consultative process, so that views from even the remotest and rural areas, are included.

Government is cognisant that this policy will impact on future policing and therefore becomes even more imperative that the consultation process is broadened and inclusive.

In ensuring that as many South Africans are reached through this consultative process, Mthethwa said that a stakeholder matrix will be adopted by government to ensure broader reach.

MECs were also tasked to utilise their existing community structures, constituencies and stakeholder forums commence and populate public discussions.

South Africans have until 7 July 2013 to make inputs.

The Green Paper on Policing is available on various websites including www.gov.za and www.saps.gov.za. A copy of the police document can be obtained from the Civilian Secretariat for Police by contacting them on 012 393 2519.