CPF Grasssy Park community police forum members are pictured from left, Howard Downes, PRO, Mark Fisher, additional member, Gabeeba Nackerdien, treasurer and Yasier Gabier, additional member.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Howard Downes, Grassy Park Community Police Forum (CPF) spokesperson
Grassy Park Community Police Forum (CPF) hosted its first community event at Fairmount High School in Grassy Park on Saturday April 19, in collaboration with SAPS, Law Enforcement, traffic services, Metro police canine unit, various private security companies, and the support of neighborhood watches.
Even overview
The chocolate egg hunt and youth fun day was aimed at fostering community spirit and safety awareness.
Community events like the chocolate egg hunt and youth fun day are designed not only for enjoyment but also to improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the community. These gatherings often serve as an opportunity to highlight ongoing safety initiatives and to engage local families in discussions about crime prevention and various concerns adversely affecting the children in the gang-ridden communities where ongoing gang violence, drug abuse, bullying, domestic violence and murder have become the norm, desensitizing the youth.
Factors contributing to desensitisation of crime
Media influence
Exposure to violent content in movies, television, and social media contributes significantly to the desensitization of youth. Continuous portrayal of crime and violence can normalise such behaviors, making young individuals less empathetic towards victims.
Environmental exposure
Many young people grow up in environments where crime is prevalent. Witnessing or experiencing violence at home or in the community can instill a sense of helplessness or acceptance of violence as a solution to conflict.
Peer pressure and social norms
Adolescents often seek to fit in with peers and may adopt violent behaviors or attitudes if they perceive them as socially acceptable within their group.
Consequences of desensitization of crime
Emotional disconnect
As youth are increasingly exposed to violence, they may develop emotional distance from the gravity of such acts. This disconnect can lead to impaired moral development, making it difficult for them to understand the ramifications of crime
Increased tolerance for violence
The normalisation of crime as depicted in various media can create a blunted emotional response to real-life incidents of violence, reducing the shock or horror that typically accompanies such events.
Community policing efforts
The Grassy Park CPF is committed to addressing local issues such as gang violence and drug-related crimes. Recent articles have highlighted ongoing efforts by the CPF and law enforcement agencies to tackle these problems, including campaigns against violence and calls for community cooperation with the police.
Significance of engagement
Events like the chocolate egg hunt and youth fun day allow the CPF to connect with the youth at grassroots level, providing a platform for them to meaningfully engage around concerns and to learn more about local policing initiatives. This engagement is crucial in light of the challenges faced by the community, including areas designated as "red zones" due to safety concerns.
Potential impact and goals
The intent of the chocolate egg hunt, youth fun day and similar events is to build a stronger and safer community by increasing visibility of Law Enforcement personnel while creating a positive environment for families. They aim to promote community cohesion, especially in areas grappling with high levels of violence.
Conclusion
To the various safety stakeholders, businesses, our safety partner Grassy Park SAPS, our station commander Colonel Andre van Wyk and everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative, we the EXCO of the CPF wish to extend a heartfelt thanks.
Last but not least, to the children, parents and families without whom the day would definitely not have been the resounding success it was, our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude