Now in its 11^th year, the Law Enforcement Auxiliary officers continue to impress, and moves are afoot to bring administrative volunteers on board too.

The current complement of Law Enforcement Auxiliary officers is 320.

They are split between the four geographical areas within the metropole, supported by an Auxiliary Animal Control Unit, Marine Unit and Rural Safety Unit.

In the three months between July and September this year, the volunteers logged nearly 25 000 hours of service to compliment public safety efforts.

During that time, they made 75 arrests, recovered two firearms, including a shotgun, and two imitation firearms, 865 units of alcohol and issued 2 806 fines for various by-law transgressions.

The arrests include charges for the possession of contraband, dangerous weapons, possession of suspected stolen vehicles and 10 arrests for breaking and entering by the rural safety team.

‘This is but a snapshot of the work that our volunteers get through, and we are immensely grateful for the contribution. What the statistics won’t show is the potential crimes that were prevented because of the added layer of visibility on our roads and in our communities. Cape Town is incredibly blessed to have so many people volunteering in the fight against crime, whether in the auxiliary uniform, or the reflective vest of a neighbourhood watch. They selflessly give their time and effort, and put their lives on the line, for no reward other than helping to build a safer city, and we applaud their dedication to the cause,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The Auxiliary programme dates back to 2013. Until a few years ago, only uniformed positions were available, to persons who meet all the qualifying criteria.

In the past two years, a lot of work has gone into extending auxiliary opportunities to non-uniform volunteers to assist with administrative functions. They’ll have non peace officer status.

This step is now ready for execution, and the Law Enforcement Department has started the recruitment process among members of registered NWs.

‘The City has fine-tuned its volunteer systems over time, and while there is always more that can be done, I’m proud of the efforts of all involved, and look forward to implementing the next steps in the evolution of our Law Enforcement Auxiliary Service,’ added Alderman Smith.

The requirements to apply to the Law Enforcement Auxiliary Service are outlined below:

For more information about the service and how to apply, click on the link here: https://bit.ly/3YVZMi0

Supplied by: City of Cape Town