Florida Blockwatch (FBW) has been established in 2012, under the patronage of the South African Police Services (SAPS), as an independent sub-structure of a network called Florida Community Policing Forum, to assist the Community Policing Forum (CPF). However, FBW gradually transitioned, and is currently fulfilling additional roles thus became the Florida Blockwatch (FBW) Community Forum, which supports, funds and directs the “Patrollers Group”, which purpose is primarily to reduce the crime rate specifically but not limited to the area as indicated in the heading boundaries.
The “Patrollers Group” manages the day to day running of its operations. To achieve its purpose, its activities and objectives are:
- To support the authorities in the establishment, provision and maintenance of a peaceful, secure and safe environment for all residents in the Florida area.
- To encourage greater safety and security awareness by providing safety and security information; and form a safety and security network in the Florida area; collaborate with other role players, such as security companies; and conduct joint operations for greater impact.
- To encourage, and maintain a non-confrontational patrol system consisting of volunteers from the area, with the purpose of (a) observing, (b) reporting, and (c) advising residents of untoward safety and security situations and report such safety and security breaches to the relevant authorities and to keep record of such reports and advise the outcome thereof.
- To train patrollers members of the “in correct and appropriate reporting and operational procedures where and when safety and security breaches are encountered as well as the proper and safe utilization of tools and equipment operated and owned by the “Patrollers Group”.
- To obtain, investigate, re-work and distribute governmental, local governmental and other information and materials of a useful and appropriate nature to members in any manner regarded as appropriate.
- To improve efficiency and promote uniformity in the FBW Community Forum area by collecting, comparing and coordinating data, ideas, knowledge, processes, techniques and operational methods from any and or all appropriate institutions of mutual interest to FBW Community Forum members.
- To co-operate, communicate and assist the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and other Block Watches and Neighbourhood Watches in the area, and establish communication and reporting systems and structures with SAPS and other appropriate structures.
All Patrollers are required to be members of the FBW Community Forum and pay membership fees.