Police to engage men in combating crime
ALEXANDRA - Alex Police have added another arsenal to their war against crime.
Alex police have recently added another arsenal to their war against crime as they embark on a programme called Men for Change.
The programme, a directive from their provincial office, tackles social stereotypes and retrogressive patriarchal attitudes contributing to crimes perpetrated mostly by men.
Programme drivers, personnel officer Hebert Bokaba and Constable Given Serema, said the success of the initiative will result in the emptying of prison cells of many men who are arrested for domestic violence caused by a desire to force their power over women, children and youths who in most cases are their dependents. “The programme assumes that if men cause most crimes, they should be part of its solution.” said Serema.
He added that men also exerted force on others for fear of losing their leadership role in the home. “They should rather relate to their wives, partners and children well to draw insights from them on other ways of solving challenges and problems.”
He attributed their forceful conduct to loss of cultural values, lack of homogeneity and common goals on matters of family and neighbourliness. “This leads to their preoccupation with only what happens in their own household resulting in built-up tensions and stresses when faced with problems they would resolve by engaging with other family members and neighbours.”
Bokaba said the programme would help men develop ways to tackle social ills through dialogue and not violence which leads to their arrest. “We will disseminate educational information on rights and responsibilities in caring for spouses and children, and to ensure the preservation and promotion of individual dignity and respect.” This he said will also change behaviour resulting in the reduction of crimes of public drinking, public disorder and encourage them to shield children from crime.
The programme is intended to be a permanent feature of police operations and will engage men on the streets, and provide school visits to discourage boys from substance abuse and from associating with drug dealers, They will consider placing suggestion boxes at strategic places for feedback messages.
Bokaba also said the initiative has potential to resuscitate positive values of respect and protection of especially teenage girls who need to be shielded from unwanted pregnancies, and exposure to backyard abortion clinics which endangered their lives and health. “Rather take them to clinics for free professional assistance if they want abortions and family-planning advice.”
The programme will partner with local companies, development organisations, women’s networks and role models idolised by society.
Details: Alex Police Station 011 231 7600.
