With Mossel Bay’s Joint Operation Centre (JOC) opening today, we welcome the lengths to which DA governments are going to ensure crime can be kept under control, further proving the need for policing to be devolved to capable, subnational governments.
Residents of the Western Cape are able to witness yet another example of how the province is pioneering ahead in order to keep our communities safe.
After the concept of this facility was originally conceived by five neighbourhood watches (NHWs) in the community, it was clear that there was a need for central location from which a safety partnership with all stakeholders could be conducted. The facility will involve many structures from all levels of government and will contribute to our all-of-society approach.
Going forward, JOC will be responsible for the following:
- The evaluation and supply of information;
- Managing issues relating to service deliver; and
- Handling of incidents that are reported.
MPP Gillion Bosman says: “In addition to these recent developments, the establishment of the K9 unit in Mossel Bay in the coming months will also add to our crimefighting efforts.
Whether it be via our Safety Plan or the multiple dashboards being used by the provincial government to allow for data-drive decision making, it is plain to see that we are going above and beyond our mandates while the national government continues to underfund and incapacitate SAPS.
We look forward to more progress being made in realising the need for devolved policing mandates, as we cannot sit idly by and watch our communities be further victimised by crime.”
