A Christmas tree, lights and snacks adorned the Mitchell’s Plain police station boardroom where dozens of children were given presents and treated to the inaugural festive season party of the Child Rapid Response Unit (CRRU) on Monday December 17.
The CRRU comprises community police forum (CPF) volunteers and associates, who have been screened and trained in Level 1 First Aid, crime scene management, and search and rescue protocol. They are called to the scene in the event of a child being reported missing and are at public events, where children are tagged and identified to prevent them from disappearing.
Each child was identified by sector representatives from the CRRU, who noted that they come from impoverished backgrounds or homes where parents could ill afford to gift them presents and niceties.
Lynn Phillips, co-ordinator of the Mitchell’s Plain child rapid response unit (CRRU), thanked the various sponsors and members who forked out of their pockets money to make the day special for the kids.
She also thanked the police for their support and transport for the children to be at the party.
“We want to wish everyone a safe festive season and please take care of the children,” she said.
She called on the community to adhere to the following safety tips:
Report a missing child immediately at SAPS, there is no waiting period.
Take a recent photo with on reporting the child missing.
Ensure the correct clothing description is given to the police.
Know where your child is all of the time.
Know your child’s friends.
Teach your child not accept anything from strangers.