7 Implementation Phases Engagement and Challenges CSI System Structure

Enhancing Community Safety Intelligence

In response to the escalating crime rate in Sandbaai, a concerted effort has been initiated to implement a robust Community Safety Intelligence (CSI) system. This initiative aims to address safety concerns by utilizing various strategies and community-driven approaches.

Crime Escalation in Sandbaai: A Stark Reality

Crime in Sandbaai currently constitutes around 71% of the crime statistics in Hermanus. This increase is primarily attributed to the emergence of illegal squatters on municipal land known as Schulphoek, along with the frequent release of habitual offenders by our courts. Consequently, Sandbaai has effectively become a central hub supplying various kinds of criminals.

Recent Disturbing Incidents

In just the last month, five women were attacked—three on the Vos Coastal path and one in East End Street—all incidents occurring in broad daylight. Among the victims was a German tourist. In Sandbaai, Break-ins have become almost as familiar as a household name, akin to Eskom Loadshedding. One of the worst cases involved four break-ins over a period at the house of a single retired woman who narrowly escaped a band of intruders in the last break-in. All of this takes place under the absent oversight noses of the Hermanus police and Overstrand Law Enforcement, who primarily act after the incident, if available and/or willing.

Recent Disturbing Incidents

In just the last month of October 2023, five women were attacked—three on the Vos Coastal path and one in East End Street—all incidents occurring in broad daylight. Among the victims was a German tourist.

In Sandbaai, Break-ins have become almost as familiar as a household name, akin to Eskom Loadshedding. One of the worst cases involved four break-ins over a period at the house of a single retired woman who narrowly escaped a band of intruders in the last break-in.

All of this takes place under the absent oversight noses of the Hermanus police and Overstrand Law Enforcement, who primarily act after the incident, if available and/or willing.

THE SEVEN IMPLEMENTATION PHASES

To expedite the establishment of the CSI system and address the rising crime rates in Sandbaai without any delay, we are focusing on seven pivotal areas:

SEVEN PILLARS

Engaging Stakeholders and Key Players
Creating Effective Communication Channels
Adopting a Sector-based Approach with Community Involvement
Utilizing Experienced Third Parties for Accelerated Implementation
Rolling Out a Street Camera Network
Establishing a Local Operations and Control Facility
Ensuring Ongoing and Effective Training

These key points emphasize the necessity of meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of experienced third-party entities to streamline the initiation and implementation of the CSI system, thereby responding urgently to the pressing need for enhanced crime prevention measures in Sandbaai.

IMPLEMENTING A COMPREHENSIVE CSI SYSTEM

When determining a community-driven safety and security system and protocol, the five most crucial factors to consider include:

Community Engagement and Involvement: The active participation and support of the community are paramount. Engagement involves fostering a sense of ownership, trust, and collective responsibility among residents, encouraging their active involvement in decision-making processes and implementation.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Authorities: Establishing effective collaboration and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, municipality leaders, and relevant authorities is vital. This cooperation ensures seamless integration between community-driven initiatives and official law enforcement efforts, facilitating better responses and overall effectiveness.
Technology and Infrastructure: Implementing the right technological tools and infrastructure, such as surveillance cameras, communication systems, and monitoring equipment, plays a significant role. Modern and reliable technology supports crime prevention, aids in real-time monitoring, and enhances the overall security apparatus.
Responder / Community Training and Education: Providing comprehensive training and education programs for community members involved in the safety and security system is crucial. Training ensures that volunteers or responders possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of protocols, legal aspects, and appropriate responses to various security incidents.
Governance and Sustainability: Establishing a clear governance structure and ensuring sustainability are essential. This involves creating transparent, inclusive governance models, funding mechanisms, and long-term plans that guarantee the continuity and effectiveness of the security system beyond initial implementation. Sustainable models enable ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and adaptability to evolving security needs.

ENGAGEMENT FOR SOLUTIONS

Addressing the pressing need for action due to a staggering 71% crime rate, signaling an escalated state of affairs demanding immediate attention.

The Sandbaai Forum sought advice from industry leaders skilled in international anti-terrorism and farm attack responses due to their expertise in these areas. The urgency stemmed from the severity of the 71% crime situation in reality, indicating an escalated state of affairs. The primary objective was to receive guidance and expertise from these specialists to address Sandbaai's pressing security issues.

The initial phase involved engaging various institutions, organizations, and private security companies. Subsequently, the focus turned to involving the Sandbaai neighborhood watch, which plays a pivotal role in sustaining the SCI system. Four critical components were identified:

Securing cooperation from these responders to form a unified tactical response team.

Establishing a network of street cameras, complemented by a secondary layer of PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras strategically positioned at entry/exit points.
Introducing additional equipment such as a Thermal drone and other responder tools.

An 85% acceptance rate was achieved among major stakeholders. However, certain organizations were initially unapproachable, perceiving success in their crime reduction strategies. Both Ratepayers Associations in Sandbaai declined to endorse this solution, along with the Special Rates Area committee.

During a promising meeting between Mr. Johan Du Toit, head of Law Enforcement, and Mr. Lester Smith, Emergency Services, Mr. Du Toit expressed support for the initiative.

He not only aimed to address crime but also offered resources like the K9 unit and other Law Enforcement resources. He requested direct communication between him and Mr. Ras or any other responders as soon as an incident occurs.

However, after relaying this information within our Sandbaai Forum, the Municipal manager, Mr. O’Neil, denied any involvement or collaboration with our Community. Consequently, all communication and support ceased abruptly from Mr. Du Toit.

This obstacle represents the primary challenge in fully implementing a comprehensive solution. However, their participation is not inherently integral to the success of the SCI system.

COMMUNICATION AND CHALLENGES

Communication lies at the heart of this system, primarily due to the presence of numerous fragmented groups within our community.

The first challenge involved consolidating all distinct WhatsApp groups into two primary communication channels accessible to all community members within the CSI system. This consolidation aims to boost the response speed of responders and engage all community members as Spotters. Conversely, the Red Alert group serves as an open channel where individuals in distress can directly communicate with responders, establishing a life-saving communication system.

COOPERATION CHALLENGES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT

Our ultimate hurdle is securing complete cooperation from Overstrand Law Enforcement and the Hermanus SAPS. This challenge poses various complexities. Achieving fruitful interaction among all law enforcement entities is pivotal for optimal outcomes. However, it demands the Overstrand Municipality leadership and the DA-led Council to transcend their partiality against organizations and individuals who consistently strive for solutions and endeavor to engage with those in office.
It's imperative that these parties adhere to the Codes of Conduct governing their roles as service providers and representatives of the Sandbaai community, rather than becoming adversaries in the pursuit of a safer Sandbaai.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACH

The Sandbaai Neighbourhood Watch plays a crucial role in utilizing the CSI system. Volunteers from our Sandbaai community form the core of this system, as it is community-driven by every measure. The CSI system is designed to allow almost anyone to contribute their time and expertise to enhance its effectiveness. All volunteers interested in participating as responders must be members of the Sandbaai Neighborhood Watch. Structure and basic discipline are crucial factors in maximizing the effectiveness of the CSI system. This includes camera monitors or other operational support, such as EMS and Trauma Counselors.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR SAFETY

National Crime Assist, a non-profit organization with a significant presence across South Africa and dedicated to community safety, will provide comprehensive training to neighborhood watch members. This training aims to improve overall effectiveness, covering various aspects, including legal considerations. Access to NCA’s training modules and workshops will be available to residents and response teams (T&C’s apply).
To promptly address community safety concerns, we partnered with NSCI to establish our street camera grid. NSCI's track record in developing affordable and effective neighborhood camera networks will greatly benefit our CSI system as a supportive measure for our Neighborhood Watch responders. With our partners, an immediate and affordable crime solution is available through a proven concept, ready to be implemented once a sector has signed up.

IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDAMENTALS

Below is a summary of the system's design and functionality. Presently, we have implemented the WhatsApp communication phase, comprising the red and blue groups, the first responder collaboration group, and a debriefing group, forming the core communications cluster. While continuing to strengthen our efforts, we are currently in the process of rolling out the street camera network in Sandbaai.

SECTOR-BASED SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE

This initiative involves dividing the area into smaller sectors, each comprising around 20-25 houses. Within these sectors, a comprehensive safety system will be established, featuring a network of three strategically positioned cameras: one centrally located and two at the entry points of the sector.

Funding for this essential safety project primarily relies on our network of investors. These investors support the installation of cameras to enhance security within the sectors. Additionally, sectors interested in financing their own street camera systems have the option to do so. We welcome discussions with these sectors to explore and tailor financing options to meet their specific needs while bolstering their security measures. This flexible funding approach allows us to effectively strengthen security within our community sectors while providing customizable solutions for interested sectors.

To begin, each sector (a cluster of houses) determines their need for street cameras, and once unanimous agreement is reached and the necessary documents are finalized, the cameras will be promptly installed. Monitoring of the sector street cameras will commence immediately through the CSI comms system in collaboration with the Sandbaai Neighbourhood Watch, which acts as the responsible legal entity. Funds will be paid over to the CSI NPC who manages the administrative side of the system infrastructure.

ADVANTAGES OF SECTOR-BASED IMPLEMENTATION AND ADAPTIVE FUNDING

This approach offers immediate solutions for participating sectors, functioning as a network that operates independently within Sandbaai. Its sector-based nature enables swift implementation based on urgency rather than adopting an all-or-nothing strategy. This flexibility allows us to initiate the implementation process on a sector-by-sector basis without necessitating complete community-wide involvement from the outset. Moreover, the funding model's adaptable nature resembles an 'in-house' approach, enabling us to tailor it precisely to meet the diverse needs of the Sandbaai Community.

INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE FOR COMMUNITY SECURITY

It consists of two phases: initiation and maintenance. To uphold good practice and ensure full transparency, we have adopted an all-inclusive community approach where an NPC (Non-Profit Company) is in the process of being established. The SCI system operates as a community-driven entity, therefore the vehicle to steer the CSI provides every community member with a voice in all related mandates through this NPC. The Sandbaai Neighbourhood Watch will oversee the operational side of the CSI System, while the NPC will serve as custodians of the cameras and other equipment, making inclusive decisions on community security matters.

INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE FOR COMMUNITY SECURITY

It consists of two phases: initiation and maintenance.

Inclusive Community Governance for CSI Initiatives

To uphold good practice and ensure full transparency, we have adopted an all-inclusive community approach where an NPC (Non-Profit Company) is in the process of being established. The SCI system operates as a community-driven entity, therefore the vehicle to steer the CSI provides every community member with a voice in all related mandates through this NPC. The Sandbaai Neighbourhood Watch will oversee the operational side of the CSI System, while the NPC will serve as custodians of the cameras and other equipment, making inclusive decisions on community security matters.

This comprehensive approach integrates technology, community involvement, and effective communication, aiming to create a safer environment in Sandbaai. Through collaboration, investment, and proactive measures, the CSI system endeavors to address and mitigate crime, fostering a secure community for all residents.