What to do when your dog is poisoned by criminals

What to do when your dog is poisoned by criminals

Here is an article from Manderston Canine Academy[1]

The poisoning of dogs, as a precursor to further crimes such as burglary, robbery, rape, etc., is extremely common in South Africa.

We are focusing on criminal poisoning only. There are numerous common substances in and around the house that can be dangerous to your dog. These include chocolate, raisins, onion, all household medicines, and of course household detergents and insecticides. Prevention is always better than cure!

Be informed, careful, and prepared. You should note that first aid procedures for other poisonous substances may be quite different from those proposed herein. Ask your vet before you act.

These first aid measures may not be appropriate for other animals.

Which poisons?

The most common poisons used are organophosphates and carbamate (Aldicarb, Temik, also known as Two-Step). Rat poison is another commonly used option.

Most poisons, with the exception of the rat poisons, are formulated so that they have a bad taste as a means of discouraging ingestion. Unfortunately, when these formulations are considered, the manufacturers have humans in mind. Anyone who has spent some time observing animals will know that a sufficiently motivated animal will ignore a bad taste.

Identification and presentation

Temik is easily identified. It is in the form of tiny black or bluish/grey granules, similar to gunpowder. Most rat poisons appear in pelleted or caked form. Other poisons are more difficult to identify as there is a greater variety. All poisons are presented to the dogs with food. Common presentations include polony, meat, fish, maize meal, or bread: all rolled in, or stuffed with the poison. 

Signs and symptoms

These poisons are extremely fast acting and deadly, even if your dog only ingested a small amount. Even if you catch your dog in the act of ingesting the poison, there is no time to waste. Don’t wait for your dog to display symptoms. Take action immediately.

The following symptoms may appear, listed in no particular order:

 •Profuse twitching of the skin

 •Disorientation

 •Bruising in the case of anticoagulants

 •Vomiting, which may include blood in case of anticoagulant poisoning

 •Confusion

 •Excessive salivation

 •Excessive bronchial secretion, i.e. coughing up slime

 •Excessively runny nose

 •Hyperventilation

 •Restlessness

 •Weakness

 •Somnolence

 •Lethargy

 •Dyspnoea, i.e. difficulty breathing

 •Anxiety

 •ervousness

 •Convulsions

 •Seizures

 •Posture abnormalities, i.e. body contorted into abnormal positions

 •Diarrhoea: may be mucous; may be black or “tarry” in the case of anticoagulant poisoning

 •Abnormal pupils – either pinpoint or dilated

 •Abdominal pain

 •Tremors and muscle twitching

 •Temporary or partial paralysis, partial loss of movement

 •Unconsciousness

 •Coma

 •Bleeding, from nose, gums, wounds in the case of anticoagulants

 •Acute blindness in the case of anticoagulants

 •Pallor

 •Blood in the urine in the case of anticoagulants

First Aid

The faster you act, the better your dog’s chances. Nonetheless, you should know that there are no guarantees.

Preparations:-

 1.Make sure you have your vet’s number saved on your cell and in a prominent place in your home. Since most poisonings happen at night, make sure your vet is available 24/7/365. If not, find an alternative vet who is available at any time for emergencies and establish a relationship with the practice. 

 2.The section below describes the emergency procedure to follow when your dog is poisoned. You will require the following for each dog:

 1.Large syringes (60ml)

 2.At least one of the following: high foam washing powder, Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution (available from your pharmacy), Apomorphine Hydrochloride (either powder or injection plus syringe and needle for administration (the latter two are schedule 4 medicines, don’t worry if you can’t get them—use one of the other methods)

 3.Activated Charcoal in granular, powder, or tablet form (available from your pharmacy or health shop), or a veterinary preparation.

 4.Castor Oil to help move the activated charcoal through the intestines.

 5.Atropine plus syringe and needle for administration (This is a schedule 4 medicine, don’t worry if you can’t get it, you vet will administer it.

6.The above will need to be administered in specific dosages. Work out the dosage for each based on your dog’s average weight and write it down clearly.

 7.If you wish, you can measure and pre-package the dry items for each dog.

 8.Put everything together in an emergency kit bag and place it in an easily accessible, yet protected place.

 9.Review the contents of the bag regularly to ensure that medicines with expiry dates are replaced when necessary and your calculated dosages keep up with your dog’s changes in bodyweight.

Emergency Procedure:-

 Steps 1 to 4 are vital initial procedures you should undertake immediately. Proceed with step 5 and further based on the time it will take you to get your dog to a vet and the severity of the symptoms. 

 1.As soon as you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, have someone phone the vet to let them know that you are on your way. If you are alone, phone the vet between the following actions. Remain calm and focus on what you need to do.

 2.Remember that poisonings seldom happen for their own sake: they are a preparatory step for a further crime. Alert your security company and the police immediately.

 3.Immediately remove your dog and any other animals and children from the source of the poison. If it means confining your dog in the house, do so. If you can, use a room or courtyard that has little furniture or objects on which your dog could injure itself. If you have to go indoors choose a place with a tiled floor if you can.

 4.If your dog is conscious, not having seizures and is not having difficulty breathing, you should induce vomiting. If at any point during the process your dog develops any of these symptoms, stop and rush your dog to the vet immediately. If you have tried inducing vomiting without success for at the most ten minutes without success, stop and rush your dog to the vet. Make sure that the dog does not re-ingest the vomit. If you can, inspect the vomit visually for signs of the poison – it may be helpful if you can describe it firstly to your vet, and later to the police. The following methods are most effective:

1.Force a ball of high foam washing powder down its throat. Prepare the ball with washing powder and a little water. The amount should be in relation to the size of the dog.

 2.Prepare a 50/50 mixture of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and water. Measure 5ml per 5kg body mass and force this down the dog’s throat. A large syringe is useful for this. Walk your dog to ensure the mixture mixes with the stomach content. Repeat the process no more than twice if the dog doesn’t vomit within a few minutes.

 3.If you have access to it, an injection of Apomorphine Hydrochloride 0,05mg per kg bodyweight, or pull down the lower eyelid of one eye and apply Apomorphine Powder.

 5.Once you are sure that the dog’s stomach is empty, get your dog to swallow Activated Charcoal. The dosage is 0.5g/kg body weight (a 10kg dog would require 5g). Add between 5 and 25ml Castor Oil to the mix—about 5ml per 10kg or part thereof. The best way to get this done is using a granular or powdered charcoal product mixed into a slurry with a little water, fill into a large syringe, add Castor Oil and then squirt the mixture into the back of the dog’s mouth.

 6.Only if your dog has vomited, and if you have access to it, administer 1ml Atropine per 10kg body mass subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Atropine inhibits vomiting and may thus cause more harm than good if administered prematurely. In the case of rat poison, do not administer Atropine, proceed directly to the vet.

 7. Get your dog into the car and rush to the vet. If your dog is having convulsions, or is lethargic, somnolent, or unconscious, use a blanket or something similar as a stretcher. Be careful carrying a dog with convulsions as you might get bitten accidentally.

 8.Tell the vet what you have done from discovering the poisoning up to the point of entering the practice. Also try to remember when the poisoning was discovered, what symptoms presented and when, as well as your subjective judgement of how much of the poison your dog ingested, based on what you saw of the stomach content.

What to expect:-

 If your dog survives the initial crisis and your vet got it through the first 12 hours, you may see:

 1.A quick recovery, if you are lucky. Your dog will continue to cough for a few days, be teary-eyed, and may be a bit weak, and will need to eat bland food (i.e. rice and boiled, unseasoned chicken) for a few days to give the liver a chance to recover fully. You may observe some long term impact which may, or may not, improve with time, depending on which systems were damaged by the poison. Your dog may thus require ongoing supportive treatment.

 2.Persistence of some of the symptoms, specifically hypersalivation, slow heart rate, diarrhoea: often mucous due to glandular over-secretion, vomiting, contraction of the pupils, central nervous system stimulation with hyperactivity, mania, anxiety or depression, seizures, difficulty breathing, Increased bronchial secretions. These are referred to as the Muscarinic effect of the poison. While treatment for this effect is available, the effectiveness thereof depends on the severity of the poisoning.

 3.Your dog may also experience muscle twitching under the skin, but this may progress to muscle weakness and partial inability to move and respiratory paralysis. These symptoms may initially be masked by anxiety and stress associated with the Muscarinic effect. They often only manifest clearly after 36 to 72 hours and are referred to as the Nicotinic effect of the poison. This is one of the most dangerous parts of the poison process’s progression and many dogs die of paralysis of respiratory system.

 4.Throughout the dog’s treatment, even though you may observe apparent improvement, there is the risk of organ damage or failure, which may lead to the dog’s death.

The Aftermath

 1.You need to report the poisoning to the police. All police stations in South Africa have been instructed on poisonings, but you may still meet resistance when attempting to open a case. Here are specific charges you may lay:

1. Contravention of Section 2(1)(n), alternatively Section 2(1)(d) of the Animal Protection Act, Act 71 of 1962, as amended: Administer poisonous substance to animal

 AND In the case of Carbamate (Aldicarb – Temik/Sanacarb/two-step)

2.Contravention of the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947, as amended: Possession of an illegal substance, AND

 3.Hazardous Substances Act, Act 15 of 1973, as amended: Possession of an illegal substance

In order to make these charges stick, you need to make sure the police get a sample of the poison. Carefully collect any leftover poison from the garden or, if there is nothing there, collect a sample from the vomit (preferably with visible samples of the poisoned substance) and keep it in the fridge until you can hand it over. You can also give a copy of the vet’s bill, which will be quite substantial, to the police. It will help to substantiate the damage caused in monetary terms. This is of course wholly inadequate as a measure of the real damage, but it’s something concrete one can use in court. 2.You need to clean up. This will be one of the most difficult tasks you’ll ever have to undertake. Not only is it a messy job, it is an emotional one! Here is what you need to do:

 1.Protect yourself from the poison: It is just as poisonous to you as it is to your dog. Wear rubber gloves, wear protective clothing, wear decent shoes. Remember: the poison can be ingested, inhaled, and absorbed trough the skin. Do not smoke, eat or drink, rub your eyes, or handle any uncontaminated household articles before changing clothes and thoroughly washing your hands, face and other exposed skin.

2.Restrict access to all contaminated areas, regardless whether it is vomit, saliva, or any other fluid or substance. This means no children, no visitors, and no other pets; only the person who is going to clean up should be allowed in.

 3.Collect all remaining poison from the place where the dog was poisoned. Seal it in decent plastic containers. Sprinkle Slaked Lime over the area and water down the entire area extremely well. Also water down any run-off very well. You want to remove all remnants of the poison from the surface.

 4.Collect all the solid waste as well as severely soiled articles and seal all in plastic containers.

 5.Wash everything that was in contact with the poison, including any excretions from your dog. A 10% solution of Sodium Carbonate is recommended. Brush the solution well into the entire area and leave for at least 8 hours. Wash off and absorb the water into an absorbent material. Wood-based cat litter pellets work really well — a little absorbs a lot of water and it’s easy to collect afterwards. Do not dispose of in the drain; dispose of as described below. Wash again with a strong household detergent and dry with an absorbent material. Do not dispose of washing water in the drain or garden! Remember to wash window sills, walls, doors and door frames, legs of furniture, etc.

 6.All washable rugs, table cloths, cushions, etc. should be washed thoroughly by machine – remember to remove and collect all solid waste before washing. Use a strong oxidising detergent such as “Vanish”.

3.Dispose of the waste:

 1.If you are in a municipal area, your municipality should be able to handle toxic waste. Contact them in connection with the collected waste. Alternatively contact a reputable toxic waste disposal company for assistance.

 2.If you are in a rural area:

1. Do Not dispose of anything into the septic tank since you’ll poison everything downstream of the French drain.

 2.Aldicarb/Temik: burry the contaminated material at least 45cm deep (make sure no animal will be able to dig the stuff up again), in excess of 50m away from wells, French drains, trenches and water runs. Mix an equal mass of Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) or Slaked Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) into the material. Soak well with water. Backfill.

 3.Organophosphates: Burn all collected materials and absorbent material used in washing in a place where no ground or water contamination by smoke or ash can take place. Collect the ash, mix with equal mass Soda Ash, and bury as above. Only burn if you are sure that no Aldicarb/Temic was used, otherwise burry everything as above.

 4.Rat Poison: it is difficult to recommend a disposal method without knowing what is in it.

 3.If in any doubt, contact your nearest Poison Information Centre.

 4.If at any time during the cleanup process, you or a family member feels ill, don’t hesitate: go see a medical professional. There is a real possibility that you may have been exposed to too much of the poison and may be experiencing symptoms of poisoning yourself.

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[1]  By J Günther

Crime Scene Management

CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT:

These rules apply to all crime scenes but the most frequent scenes are housebreakings, robberies and hi-jackings.

HOUSE ROBBERIES AND HOUSE BREAKING AND HI-JACKINGS

Where house robberies, hijackings or break-ins are concerned:

§   Don’t touch anything;

§    Make sure that your own vehicle does not obstruct traffic, police or emergency vehicles. (NB!!)
§  Cordon the area off if possible.
§  Do not allow members of the public or onlookers on the scene.

§  Preserve finger prints. Never touch any exhibits whatsoever:

-         When necessary to move items to a safer place (e.g. where rain or water can wash away finger prints on exhibits) or to preserve them take care not to destroy finger prints:

-         Do not pick anything up by using a cloth or gloves as this erases the prints. Rather use braai tongs, pliers or improvise two sticks (like Chines chop sticks)

§  Don’t move around, your footprints could contaminate the scene;

§  Establish whether the police have been notified – if not, this must be a priority;

§  Supply the police with a list of possible witnesses when they arrive;

§  Find out if anyone saw anything suspicious, information of vehicles must be aired immediately;

§  Get descriptions of the robbers where possible, and broadcast this information;

§  Take photographs with your cellphone without moving around too much, if this is not possible, rather leave it. (NB:- This should not be done if the police are already on the scene – we do not want to be perceived as usurping the duties of the police.);

§       Do not eat or smoke on or near the scene.  This can contaminate the scene or destroy DNA information. 


General:
§  Establish which security company is used by the victim;

§  Establish whether building operations are taking place in the area, get the names of the contractors and take photos of their advertising boards if there are any;

§  Were any hawkers in the area?

§  Does the victim utilize garden services?  If so, get their details;

§  Report all of the above and any other relevant information to the CPF member responsible for the incident/occurrence book.

The most senior member will always take charge of an incident or scene

-           Where necessary the most senior or experienced member lending assistance will take charge of the scene and other members must please accept this as standard practice, it is in everyone’s interest.  (This member can ask for advice and assistance from our leaders where he is uncertain);

-          The most senior / experienced member at the scene must try to prevent that forensic evidence like fingerprints, footprints and blood splatter be contaminated by other members or citizens moving around unnecessarily;

-          Never take a suspect back to the scene of a crime, as they could then say that their fingerprints got onto the scene at that time.  (Thus keep them off the scene if possible);

-          The police must be contacted if this has not yet been done;

-          Radio contact must be maintained with Control (Control = The most senior person not on the scene, but with a strong radio signal);

-          Everybody must remain calm – only the most senior / experienced person on the scene uses the radio;

-           Avoid unnecessary chatter on the radio.  The channel must remain open;

-          The most senior member decides whether an alternative channel must be used.  He will broadcast the rules of such use;

-          An alternative channel is useful to repeatedly broadcast information pertinent to the situation rather than using the general channel;

-          The most senior person will decide whether it is necessary to take photos and will try to do this without agitating others or contaminating the scene.  (Photos are important as evidence.)  Rather take too many than not enough.  Use your cellphone but, there are two important exceptions:-

            * This should not be done if the police are already on the scene;

* Do not take photos of a deceased person unless absolutely necessary. We consider it to be unprofessional and insensitive.

-          In further emergency a member is authorized to interrupt any chatter by calling “Break! Break!” on the radio.  Everyone will then cease talking to allow you to explain the situation.

Interaction with the SAP on the scene:

-          The police or metro will take charge of the scene upon their arrival;

-          Please request the name of the SAP or Metro member on the scene, make a note of it and pass the information along to Control;

-          The most senior person must give a written list of names and contact numbers of  members of the police on the scene or those who could have witnessed something in the area.  (This procedure must never be deviated from)

-          Always request a SAP case number when practical.  (It starts with the letters MAS or CAS and appears as follows:  MAS 102/08/2010 – where the last two columns represent the month and year)

-          Don’t allow a lazy police officer to talk you or the victim or complainant out of laying a charge.  (It does occur, and, should this indeed occur , inform CPF Control)

-          Hand over any items found on suspects along with any other evidence to the police after you have taken note of the relevant officer’s name and have given it to Control.

        Avoid any contact with blood and do not move injured persons

-           Where people are covered in blood or injured it is imperative to avoid contact with blood by using rubber gloves or something similar;

-          Contact emergency services on your cellphone by dialing 112 or 147;

-          Never move an injured person or remove his crash helmet unless it is absolutely necessary.  Neck injuries could be aggravated.

-          Leave first aid to the professionals unless you have experience or it is absolutely necessary.

 (We shall deal with accident scene management in another training module)

Assault must never take place:

-          Severe action will be taken against any member of CPF implicated in assault or racism of an arrested person.

-          Assault and racism is strongly condemned as it causes embarrassment to other law abiding members. Illegal and vigilante action can lead to law abiding members resigning from the CPF. It will not be tolerated.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 Members are sometimes called out to what is colloquially called “huismoles” It is the view of the Clydesdale CPF that we should not get involved in this type of domestic disturbance and that it is a matter best dealt with by the SAPS. The Golden Rule in cases of domestic disturbances is thus to alert the SAPS (sector vehicles). Members should not get involved unless someone’s life is at stake but even then we believe that it is too dangerous for our own members to get involved. The reason why it is best to contact the police lies in Section 2 of the Domestic Violence Act. It provides that the police have a duty to assist and inform complainants of their rights. Section 2 reads as follows: “Any member of the South African Police Service must, at the scene of an incident of domestic violence or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible, or when the incident of domestic violence is reported— (a) render such assistance to the complainant as may be required in the circumstances, including assisting or making arrangements for the complainant to find a suitable shelter and to obtain medical treatment; (b) if it is reasonably possible to do so, hand a notice containing information as prescribed to the complainant in the official language of the complainant’s choice; and (c) if it is reasonably possible to do so, explain to the complainant the content of such notice in the prescribed manner, including the remedies at his or her disposal in terms of this Act and the right to lodge a criminal complaint, if applicable.” Members may however want to advise the victims of their rights to protection in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, Act 116 of 1998. When children are involved, it may also be necessary to alert the local Welfare offices but we still recommend that the best cause of action is to leave it to the police to deal with. The Child Protection Unit is especially geared to deal with assaults on, and abuses of, young children. In order to assist our members and to give them a little bit of understanding regarding domestic violence we will discuss relevant information of the Act underneath. (We will also rely on the information supplied and undertakings given by the SAPS on their relevant website.)

 DISCUSSION: Domestic violence (Afrikaans: “Gesinsgeweld”) is often thought to only include physical violence, but the acts, behaviour and consequences that make up domestic violence vary in nature and frequency. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation. As indicated, domestic violence is regulated by the Domestic Violence Act. This Act only applies to domestic violence that takes place in a domestic relationship. It does not regulate the relationship with neighbours and family living in different places or residences and with whom victims have never lived under the same roof.

  What is a domestic relationship? A person can have a domestic relationship with someone he is or have been married to; victims parents or guardian; any family member(s); including a victim’s own child(ren); anyone the victims have lived with, whether the victims were married to that person or not; a victim’s life partner of the same sex; someone the victim went out with, even for a short time, or had sex with; or someone with whom the victim share a child.

  What is domestic violence? The following can be regarded as domestic violence: • sexual abuse (whether victims are married to the other person or not); • physical abuse or assault (for example, slapping, biting, kicking, and threats of physical violence); • damage to property or anything a victim value; • stalking (when the other person follows or approaches The victim or his/her children repeatedly); • economic abuse, that is, when the other person keeps money to which victims are legally entitled from them in an unreasonable manner by - refusing to pay or share the rent or mortgage bond for the home they share; or • disposing of any property (household goods) in which a victim has interest, without his/her permission; • emotional abuse (that is, degrading or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats); • any other controlling or abusive behaviour which poses a threat to a victim’s safety, health or well-being.

  What are the options of someone who is being abused? Victims have the right to - • apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or magistrate's court; or • lay a criminal charge at the police station and apply for a protection order.

  What is a protection order? It is an order (interdict) issued by a court at the victim’s request, ordering a person with whom he/she has or had a domestic relationship, to stop the abuse. It may also prevent the person from getting help from any other person to commit such acts. An interim protection order can also be issued at any time of the day or night for a victim’s protection. Who can apply for a protection order? Any victim of domestic violence. children, and if they are too young, a parent or guardian, or any person acting on behalf of someone who is responsible for them, but with their permission. A police official can also apply for one.

  Commitment of SAPS to victims of domestic violence 

According to their website, the police will normally assist victims by:- • providing victims with notice in a language they understand, and explain how they should proceed; • making an effort to find someone to speak to the victim in the language he/she understands; • taking a victim's statement in privacy and not in the presence of the abuser or the public; • deciding on the basis of his statement, whether to arrest the abuser and take his/her firearm, as well as determine the victim's needs and how to assisthim/her; • serving a protection order on the person against whom it was made, as directed by the court; • keeping a copy of the protection order and record every arrest made as proof for victims; . noting the complaint in the Incident Register at the station as further proof that a victim reported the matter.

  What other assistance can the SAPS provide?

 SAPS undertook, where possible, to help victims find access to - • medical attention; • shelter; and • victim counselling. They will inform victims of - • the support services that are available in the area; • alternative shelters, if available; • counselling services, if required; • medical assistance; • free services that are available; and • the time of day these services are available. SAPS will ensure that a medical officer collects and records any medical evidence in support of a criminal charge. SAPS will go with victims to their home when they need to collect personal belongings, if this is provided for in a protection order that has been issued.

  What can victims do if a police member fails to comply with the above?

 Should a police officer fail to carry out this commitment, victims can report the matter to the station commissioner at the relevant police station. The complaint will be noted in a complaints register, stating the name of the member concerned, the date on which the complaint is lodged, and the details of the complaint. The station commissioner will take disciplinary steps against the member involved. The Police Service will also refer the complaint to the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) for their recommendations. If victims are not satisfied with the way in which a station commissioner is dealing with the complaint, victims may personally report the matter to the ICD.

  What can a victim do if an abuser disobeys a protection order?
 Victims should phone the South African Police Service. Thereafter a statement will be taken from the victim. Victims should provide the police with the warrant of arrest they received together with the protection order (and if they have lost it, they can apply at the court for another one). If victims are in immediate danger the abuser will be arrested, otherwise the abuser will be given a notice to appear in court the next day.

  Who can be contacted?
 Victims can Contact their local police station SAPS 10 111
SAPS Child Protection Unit And Sexual OffencesUnit,
Head Office, Pretoria (012) 393-2363
SAPS Crime Stop
Women Abuse Helpline
Childline
AIDS Helpline

Accident Scene Management

Accident Scene Management

The first hour of trauma is termed the ``Golden Hour'' by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The idea is that trauma victims have the best survival chance if they are in surgery within one hour after the accident. 
Qualified medical personnel are really the people who should be handling everything, but until they arrive there are things that we, untrained members of the CPF, can do to help the medical professionals before they arrive.
These guidelines are obviously applicable only to those members who are not trained paramedics. Accident scene management can consist of two components:
1.) Safeguarding and rendering assistance to the injured and paramedics on the actual scene and
2.) Traffic control.

  The Golden Rules of On-scene Accident Management are:

• Your own safety comes first;
• Treat the scene as if it is someone near and dear to you lying on the scene:
• Call the Emergency Services. ( Either ask someone on the radio to do so or call them via your cell phone by dialing 112 or 147);
• Safeguard the scene as soon as possible and obtain assistance from standby members to do so;
• Cordon off the area. Do not allow bystanders to come within at least 3 metres from the body, ideally even further. (Chevron barrier tape will always come in handy);
• Cover the body. Should the person still be alive, and you are either unable or unqualified to provide first aid, take care not to restrict breathing, introduce infection in open wounds, or create further injury by moving the patient around whilst covering the body. A so-called “space blanket” is ideal for this purpose;
• Avoid any rowdiness or laughter at the scene as it may well be construed as being highly insensitive and unprofessional by the next of kin or friends of the patient/deceased;
• Taking photos of the injured/deceased is also highly insensitive and unprofessional. Although photo evidence may well assist in the later investigation of the case, this may only be done under instruction of the person/authority in charge of the scene.
• Under no circumstances should you allow any unauthorized access to the body.

  Fire hazards:-
• Evaluate the possibility of any fire hazard as soon as practically possible. This includes leaking fuel lines, perforated fuel tanks, electrical shorts, and possible burning cigarettes inside the vehicle. Inform responding members that fire extinguishers are required at the scene;
• Ideally members should provide for at least one or two serviceable fire extinguishers being available at every accident scene;
• Provide assistance if and when required by paramedics, or any other authority arriving at the scene without hampering their duties;
• Avoid walking around on the scene;

  Conduct towards injured persons:
STAY CALM AND TALK TO THE PATIENT/S.
 • Identify yourself. (Rather use your own name instead of your call sign);
 • Inform them that medical assistance is on their way;
• Request them to remain still and not move around;
 • NEVER EVER discuss the severity of the patient’s injuries within hearing distance of patient him/herself;
• Do not move the body of an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary. (The safety of the person and chances of further injury through, for instance, secondary collisions or fire should however be considered);
• Avoid the removal of a helmet from seriously injured motorcycle driver. If breathing is restricted then only loosen the chin belt without moving the head around. Conduct towards third parties (other road users):
• Be polite when communicating;
• Explain to them that there has been a serious accident ahead with injuries but avoid giving out further details;
• Do not argue with family members and/or friends who are in shock or aggressive due to shock. Be firm but polite with them. Understand that their erratic behavior is due to shock and not because they are naturally rude or aggressive.

  Traffic Control & Safety:
We wish to sound a word of warning and highlight the following: Accident scene management is a voluntary and auxiliary service in as far as CPF-members are concerned. Although we deal in more detail with traffic control underneath we wish to start off by dealing with safety first.

The following rules are applicable as far as regulating traffic is concerned:
• Members are not obliged to render assistance if they feel that it is too dangerous to do so. When they do so, they do so at their own risk;
• Doing duty/ regulating traffic on an accident scene is a very dangerous exercise and members must only choose to embark on this when it is absolutely necessary for the safety of injured persons and/or paramedics and there is no other authority who can adequately do so;
• Be alert at all times and always expect road users to act erratic and dangerously. Always be on the lookout for danger;
• Withdraw immediately from the scene once the police or traffic department arrive and they can take over the management of the scene;
• Never expose yourself or other members to danger;
• Do not block the road or access to the scene of any potential emergency vehicle with your own vehicle.

  Emergency Scene Equipment
We wish to reiterate that Accident Scene Management is a voluntary and auxiliary service that we may render and what is stated here regarding emergency equipment is done more in an endeavour to advise members of what can be used by volunteers who really want to go out of their way to assist rather than to require that this equipment be acquired by members.

Having said that, the following equipment may be of use at an accident scene:-

 Traffic Control:
• Road cones;
• Flashing hazard lights;
• Reflective jackets or at least reflective bibs;
• Flash lights, especially those with a strobe function.

Medical:
• Full First Aid Kit;
• Six bottles of drinking water (can also be used for cleaning);
• List of primary communication numbers with Emergency Services;

 On-Scene Equipment: 
• Fire Extinguisher;
• Mini generator;
• Floodlight on extension pole;
• Danger tape/ chevron tape;
• Bolt cutters to disconnect batteries;
• Flashlights;
• Bag of sawdust;
• Static flares (Used for helicopter landing and lighting)

 Remember:
Your own safety always comes first.

 We shall deal in more detail with Traffic control later

DIE GOUE REëLS VAN PATROLLIE

Geagte vriende en Clydesdale GPF-lede,

Ons handel hier met ons pligte tydens patrollie en ons regte van deursoeking en arrestasie as privaatpersone. Die wetsaspekte word heel laaste bespreek.

INLEIDING:

Die volgende word ter inleiding gesê:
Dit is nodig om te besef dat ’n GPF-lid se hoofplig op patrollie nie misdaadondersoek is nie maar eerder: (a) observasie en (b) afskrikking d.m.v. sigbaarheid en getalle.

’n Gemeenskap Polisieëring Forum of Sub-forum (“GPF” of “CPF” in Engels) is nie ’n vigilante groep nie en ons moet asb. ander mense se regte en vryhede erken en beskerm.

GPF-lede is ook nie polisiereserviste nie en GPF-lede op patrollie het ook nie meer magte as gewone landsburgers nie.

Ons het ’n plig om toe te sien dat die SAP ons klagtes (misdade) ondersoek en nie onder die mat invee nie. Moet dus nie dat ’n lui polisiebeampte u ompraat om nie ’n klagte te lê nie.

DIE GOUE REëLS VAN PATROLLIE:
[Hierdie reëls is eintlik maar net reëls van gesonde verstand en goeie maniere.]

(a) Hanteer elke lid van die publiek soos wat uself hanteer wil word – met respek.

U is geregtig om enigeen op straat beleefd te vra of u hom kan help. (En hy is geregtig om vir u te ignoreer - dit is hoe ’n vrye demokrasie werk.)

As u iemand in die straat sien wat verdag is en/of moontlik hulp benodig stel ons voor dat hy vriendelik genader word en gevra word of u hom van hulp kan wees.

’n Verdagte wat 11h00 in die dag in ons strate loop en lyk of hy vir kwaadgeld rondloop kan soos volg benader word:
“Goeie dag Meneer/Morena, Hier is baie diefstal in ons gebied. U sal verstaan dat as u hier 11h00 by huise loop en soek na werk terwyl almal alreeds by die werk is, verdag voorkom. Die mense in ons gebied is nie gemaklik daarmee nie. Bowendien staan almal wat stukwerk (“piece job”) soek by die Spar en loop nie in die woongebiede rond nie. Kan u asb die gebied verlaat.”
“Ek sien dat u ’n groot sak daar by u het. Sal u omgee om vir my te wys wat daarin is?”

(b) U eie veiligheid kom eerste:

 As die situasie gevaarlik kan wees of as u twyfel oor u veiligheid roep asb. vir bystand. Altyd.
 BAIE NB:- Dit is ons werkswyse hier by Clydesdale GPF om potensieële misdadigers af te skrik met getalle. Hoe meer bystand, hoe groter die magsvertoon en afskrikking, hoe effektiewer is ons en hoe veiliger is ons lede op patrollie.
 Wees liewer oorversigtig. As u twyfel of u bystand moet roep dan moet u dit doen. Onthou net, u GPF-patrolliebordjie is nie ’n koeëlvaste hemp nie.
 Sigbare getalle skrik misdadigers af.

(c) Hou ’n veilige afstand tussen uself en ’n verdagte wat dalk gevaarlik kan wees.
 Ons stel voor dat u nie ’n persoon of persone wat gevaarlik kan wees nader nie maar eerder ’n afstand van tussen 20-40m tussen mekaar hou tot tyd en wyl bystand opdaag.
 Om ’n afstand te hou het ’n sielkundige uitwerking op ’n gevaarlike verdagte: As hy bloot met ’n mes gewapen is sal hy u nie sommer storm nie en andersinds is u ook nog nie in sy veiligheidsone (spasie) waar hy bedreigd voel nie en sal hy u nie sommer aanval nie.
 Laastens gee dit vir u kans om ontwykende aksie te neem.
 Hou u voertuig asb. altyd gesluit.

 Wenk:
(a) Moet nooit met iemand wat u wil aanrand tydens ’n plofbare situasie op die grond argumenteer nie. Deur te argumenteer daal u tot sy vlak. Loop weg en roep bystand. Groot GPF-getalle sal hom laat afkoel.
b) Moet ook nooit met ’n dwelmbenewelde argumenteer nie, hy/sy is nie in staat om logies te redeneer nie en kan enige tyd bisar en gevaarlik optree. Loop weg en roep bystand – veral van die polisie. Groot GPF-getalle en polisie teenwoordigheid sal hom/haar hopelik laat afkoel.

(d) Pasop vir Tsotsi’s.
 Tsotsi’s is gevaarlik en meesal (ten minste) met ’n Okapi-mes gewapen;
 Hulle is gewoonlik tussen 16-30 jaar oud;
 Hulle is fiks en lenig;
 Hulle is selde alleen;
 Hulle praat ’n snaakse slang (tipe Kwaito) en diegene wat Afrikaans magtig is sal u soms “My Lanie” noem;
 Meesal tatoeërmerke;
 Hulle het ‘n swaai in hulle stap;
 Hulle dra meesal netjiese klere maar mag ’n oorpak as deel van hulle vermomming dra;
Kyk na hulle skoene. Duur hardloopskoene is hulle gunsteling. Kyk na Nikes, Rheebok, Fila en wat nog. Hulle sal dit altyd dra – verslonsde oorpak of te not. Hierdie is belangrik: ’n man in die bg. ouderdomskategorie met ‘n verslonsde oorpak/klere maar “brand name”-skoene moet rooi gevaarligte laat flikker by u.
Pette, Musse en Donkerbrille:
Tsotsi’s hou daarvan om pette of musse te dra, veral ’n mus wat hy kan omskep in ’n balaclava. Hulle hou nie daarvan om jou in die oë te kyk nie. Hulle dra soms donkerbrille maar nie altyd nie.
Ouderdom:
Hulle is nog jonk - tussen 16-30 jaar oud.

(e) Vergesel mense uit die gebied uit:
 As u sien dat iemand in die nag deur ons gebied beweeg (ongeag sy ras) en u dink hy of sy kan dalk deur tsotsi’s aangeval word, vergesel (“escort”) hom of haar veilig uit die gebied uit of tot by sy bestemming.
 Ons durf nie toelaat dat die tsotsi’s onskuldige swartmense en nie-inwoners in ons gebied aanval nie, ons moet hul ook beskerm.
 Hou ’n afstand van 30m of meer tussen uself en die persoon.

(f) Huisbrekers is gevaarlik:
 Hulle is gewoonlik tsotsi’s;
 Hule is bykans altyd gewapen en is dus hoogs gevaarlik.
 Beskou elke huisbreker as iemand met ’n wapen en wat dit sal gebruik;
 Hulle sal meesal musse dra;
 Hulle het soms inbraak implimente soos skroewerdraaiers, bobbejaanspanners (om diefwering te breek), boltcutters en nie noodwendig crowbars nie maar iets wat soortgelyke funksie kan vervul.
 Hulle sal ’n klein outjie – selfs ’n kind – gebruik om by klein venstertjies in te gaan. So, ’n kind in hul teenwoordigheid dui eerder op verdagte optrede as op die teendeel.
 As u huisbraak of ’n huisroof vermoed moet u asb. dadelik bystand - ingeslote die polisie - ontbied.

 By huisbraak, kapings of huisroof tonele:o Moenie aan iets raak nie;
o Moenie rond beweeg nie, u voetspore kan die toneel kontamineer;
o Stel vas of SAP reeds ontbied is – indien nie, is dit ‘n prioriteit;
o Gee ’n lys van moontlike getuies aan die polisie wat na u opdaag;
o Stel vas wie het iets verdag gesien – verdagte voertuie se besonderhede moet onmiddellik oor die lug verskaf word;
o Kry beskrywings van rowers/inbrekers indien moontlik. Gee dit oor die lug;
o Neem foto’s met u selfoon sonder om rond te trap – anders los dit;
o Stel vas wie is die mense se sekuriteitsmaatskappy;
o Is daar bouwerke in die omgewing? Kry naam van kontrakteurs en neem foto’s van hul naamborde as u kan;
o Het die mense enige komposverkopers/smouse in die omgewing gesien?
o Het die mense tuindienste? Indien wel, wie?
o Het hulle onlangs ’n nuwe tuinier of bediende gekry?
o Rapporteer al bogenoemde en relevante inligting aan die persoon belas met die voorvalle boek (VB).


(g) Die mees senior of ervare lid neem altyd bevel van ’n situasie of toneel:
 Waar nodig neem die mees senior of ervare lid wat bystand kom verleen bevel oor van die toneel en lede moet dit asb as standaard praktyk aanvaar, dis in belang van almal. (Gemelde senior/ervare lid vra self raad en bystand by ons leiers as hy/sy vasbrand);
 Die mees senior/ervare lid op die toneel moet probeer voorkom dat forensiese getuienis soos vingerfadrukke, voetspore of bloedspatsels gekontamineer word deur lede of ander privaat persone wat onnodig rondbeweeg;
 Moet nooit ’n verdagte terugneem na die misdaadtoneel nie want hy sal beweer dat dit op daardie stadium gebeur het dat sy vingerafdrukke op die toneel gekom het. (Hou hom dus altyd buite die perseel - indien moontlik);
 Die polisie word gekontak as dit nie reeds gedoen is nie;
 Radio kontak word gehou met Beheer. (Beheer = mees senior persoon wat nie op toneel is nie met ‘n sterk radio of die War Room as dit beman is);
 Almal bly kalm - slegs die mees senior lid en/of lid met meeste kennis van die situasie mag op die radio praat;
 Vermy onnodige gepratery op radio. Die kanale moet skoon wees;
 Mees senior lid besluit of Kanaal 6 ook gebruik moet word en hoe dit gedoen gaan word. Hy kondig sy reëlings op die radio af;
 Kanaal 6 is ’n handige kanaal om te gebruik eerder as om situasie oor en oor op Werkskanaal 4 te verduidelik;
 Die mees senior lid besluit of dit nodig is om foto’s te neem of laat neem van die toneel en probeer dit doen of laat doen sonder om ander te agiteer of toneel te kontamineer. (Foto’s is belangrike bewysmateriaal. Neem liefs te veel as te min foto’s. Gebruik u selfoon.);
 In verdere nood word lede gemagtig om te onderbreek deur “Breek! Breek!” op die radio te roep. Almal bly stil en gee gemelde lid kans om die nood of dringendheid te verduidelik.

(h) Interaksie met die SAP op ’n toneel:
 Die polisie of metro neem bevel van die toneel na hulle aankoms;
 Versoek asb die naam van die SAP lid in bevel op die toneel en maak ’n nota daarvan;
 Die mees senior lid gee ’n geskrewe lys met name en kontaknommers van alle GPF-lede en privaat persone wat iets op die toneel of naby die toneel waargeneem het of wat getuies kan wees. [Hiervan moet asb nooit afgewyk word nie.];
 Dring altyd aan op ’n SAP saaknommer. (Dit begin met die letters MAS of CAS en is gewoonlik iets soos die volgende: MAS 102/08/2011 - waar die laaste twee kolomme die maand en jaartal verteenwoordig.)
 Moenie dat ’n lui polisiebeampte uself of die klaer/slagoffer ompraat of boelie om nie ’n klagte te lê nie. (Hulle doen dit soms wel. Kontak u GPF-Beheer of die GPF-leiers dadelik as dit sou gebeur);

(i) Vermy enige kontak met bloed en moenie beseerdes verskuif nie
 Waar mense bebloed of beseer is moet u asb. probeer om kontak met bloed te vermy deur gebruik te maak van rubberhandskoene of derglike items;
 Kontak die nooddienste op u selfoon deur 112 of 147 te skakel;
 Moet asb nooit ’n beseerde skuif of sy valhelm verwyder tensy dit absoluut nodig is nie. Nekbeserings kan vererger word;
 Los noodhulp vir kundiges tensy uself ’n kundige is of tensy dit absoluut noodsaaklik is.

(j) U moet asb u amptelike patrollie-bordjies op u voertuig aanbring tydens patrollie.
 Lede moet asb. nie sonder hulle bordjies patrolleer nie;
 Hou asb u GPF-identiteitskaartjie in u patrollievoertuig;
 Lede mag nie snags sonder ligte patrolleer nie;
 Gebruik van enige ander ligte behalwe ’n witlig skietlamp (“spot light”) is onwettig;
 Lede moet altyd hulle radio’s op patrollie saamneem;
 Ons beveel ten sterkste aan dat u ook u selfoon saamneem;
 Ons beveel aan dat u ook ’n GPF-bordjie agter op die voertuig aanbring;
 As u nie bystand van ons lede kry nie, bel die SAP op die selfoonnommers van die diens/patrollie voertuie (sektor voertuie), daarna eers 10111;
 Ons beveel ten sterkste aan dat u ook ‘n passasier saamneem maar dis nie verpligtend nie.
 Ons kan nie lede verbied om snags hulle eie wapens saam te neem nie maar dit mag nooit, ooit onwettig gebruik word of vertoon word nie. Onthou asb. dat dit ’n misdaad is om ’n vuurwapen sonder wettige gronde in ’n woongebied af te vuur.
 NB: Dit mag soms nodig wees om wel u GPF bordjies af te haal. As u dink dat die vertoon van u bordjies ’n gevaarsituasie kan skep deur bv gewapende rowers se aandag op u te vestig dan moet u u bordjies asb dadelik verwyder.

(k) Geen aanrandings mag ooit gepleeg word nie:
 Daar sal streng opgetree word teen GPF-lede wat ander lede van die gemeenskap aanrand.
 Aanranding en rassisme word ten sterkste afgekeur en skep ’n verleentheid vir ander wetsgehoorsame lede.
 Onwettige optrede kan veroorsaak dat wetsgehoorsame lede uit die GPF bedank. Ons kan dit nie toelaat nie.

ALGEMEEN:
Ons moet beklemtoon dat wat patrollies, algemene arres en deursoeking aanbetref dit in aanmerking geneem moet word dat:
 ons nie wetstoepassers is nie;
 ons eerder ons hoofsaaklik moet beperk to observasie en afskrikking (sigbaarheid en getalle);
 ons nie ons eie veiligheid in gevaar moet stel nie;
 ons veiligheid lê in getalle en dat lede nie moet huiwer om bystand (SAP en ander GPF-lede) te roep waar dit nodig is om iemand te arresteer nie. (Hoe meer hulp, hoe beter.)
 ’n “citizen’s arrest” is ’n ernstige inbreukmaking op ’n ander se menseregte soos vryheid en privaatheid en as dit ongegrond gedoen word ernstige gevolge en siviele eise tot gevolg kan hê. Iemand wat egter so pas by ’n huis ingebreek het kan arresteer word. Maar onthou asb dat daar ’n groot verskil is tussen huisbraak en betreding. Blote teenwoordigheid op ’n oop perseel sonder enige inbraak of oopbreek van ’n struktuur is nie huisbraak nie.


WETLIKE ASPEKTE:

A. DEURSOEKING:
Niemand het die reg om ons of ’n familielid van ons voor te keer en voor die voet te deursoek nie. Hoe sal ons voel as iemand dit met ons of ons dierbares doen? ’n Lid van ’n GPF mag dit dus ook nie doen nie.

Aan die ander kant, menseregte is nie onbeperk nie, dit is nie absoluut nie, lede van die polisie en privaat persone kan wel ander persone deursoek op sekere gronde of in sekere omstandighede.

’n Woord van waarskuwing word hier gerig: Om ’n ander se vryheid te ontneem of sy reg op privaatheid te skend is ernstig as dit onwettig gedoen word. (Art 28 van die Strafproseswet, 1977 maak dit ’n misdaad om ’n ander se persoon of sy perseel onwettig te deursoek.)

Dit word beklemtoon dat ’n GPF-lid se hoofplig op patrollie nie misdaadondersoek is nie.

Wanneer kan ’n GPF-lid ’n ander persoon wettiglik deursoek?

(a) Die gemenereg:

(i) Toestemming:
Volgens die gemenereg kan ons te eniger tyd ’n ander se persoon met sy toestemming deursoek. As ’n GPF-lid op patrollie dus iemand (of sy perseel) wil deursoek mag dit net met toestemming geskied of in omstandighede deur die Strafproseswet erken, gedoen word. Onthou egter dat ’n man se huis of sy kaja in die oë van die reg sy eie privaat koningkryk is en dat daardie reg baie duur beskerm word. (Dit is reg en goed dat dit so is.)

Wees uiters versigtig om ’n ander se perseel te betree, hy kan selfs onskuldiglik op u skiet as hy meen dat ’n indringer is.

Ons beveel aan dat u slegs in hoogs uitsonderlike gevalle persele betree maar as ’n reël liefs nooit nie, dit is net moeilikheid soek al het u die beste bedoelings op aarde. (Bv. om die huiseienaar te sê sy hek of garagedeur is oop. Dalk wag hy hoogs gespanne, senuagtig en gewapen vir die inbreker en sien u vir ’n inbreker aan.)

(ii) Welvoeglikheid:

’n Man kan nie ’n vrou deursoek en andersom nie, want deursoeking moet welvoeglik geskied. Enige onwelvoeglike optrede is onwettig al word dit deur mense van dieselfde geslag gedoen. Selfs deursoeking ingevolge die Strafproseswet moet welvoeglik wees.

Hardhandige optrede kan onses insiens as onwelvoeglik beskou word maar is in ieder geval onwettig.

(b) Die Strafproseswet, 1977

Die Strafproseswet magtig wel privaat deursoeking en arrestasie van andere in sekere beperkte omstandighede. ’n Privaat persoon kan slegs ’n ander deursoek wat arresteer is vir ’n sg. “Bylae 1” misdaad. Bylae 1 misdade is baie ernstige misdade soos moord, verkragting, huisbraak, roof, diefstal en bedrog.

Art 23 bepaal dat in die geval van ’n sg. “citizen’s arrest” kan die persoon wat die inhegtenisneming uitvoer ’n voorwerp wat omskryf word in Art 20 in beslag neem wat in die besit of in die bewaring of onder die beheer van die gearresteerde persoon is, en moet so ’n voorwerp onverwyld aan ’n polisiebeampte oorhandig.

‘n Art 20-bedoelde voorwerp is enige voorwerp wat betrokke is by of op redelike gronde vermoed word betrokke te wees by die pleging of vermeende pleging van ’n misdryf of wat tot bewys kan strek van die pleging of vermeende pleging van ’n misdryf of wat bestem is of op redelike gronde vermoed word bestem te wees om by die pleging van ’n misdryf gebruik te word.

Dwelmmiddels, huisbraak- of motorbraak instrumente en wapens asook gesteelde items is voorbeelde van sulke items.

B. ARRESTASIE:

Dit is ’n privaatpersoon se demokratiese reg om ander wat sekere ernstige misdrywe pleeg te arresteer en/of te deursoek.

Dit is wat in die volksmond bekend staan as “citizen’s arrest”.

Volgens Art 42 van die Strafproseswet kan ’n private persoon (ook GPF-lid op patrollie) iemand sonder lasbrief in hegtenis neem—

(a) wat ’n Bylae 1 bedoelde misdryf in sy teenwoordigheid pleeg of poog te pleeg of wat hy redelikerwys verdink dat hy so ’n misdryf gepleeg het;

(b) wat hy redelikerwys vermoed ’n misdryf gepleeg het en aan die vlug is van en onmiddellik agtervolg word deur iemand wat bedoelde private persoon redelikerwys meen die bevoegdheid besit om daardie persoon weens daardie misdryf in hegtenis te neem;

(c) wat hy kragtens ’n wet bevoeg is om ten opsigte van ’n in daardie wet bepaalde misdryf sonder lasbrief in hegtenis te neem;

(d) wat hy aan die baklei sien.

’n Private persoon (GPF-lid) wat iemand soos bo genoem in hegtenis mag neem, kan daardie persoon onverwyld agtervolg, en ’n ander private persoon aan wie die doel van die agtervolging bekend gemaak is, kan daarby aansluit en hulp verleen.

Wat is ’n Bylae 1 misdaad?
 Moord,
 Poging tot moord (maar nie gewone aanranding nie);
 Verkragting,
 Roof (ook voertuig kaping),
 Huisbraak,
 Dwelmhandel;
 Diefstal,
 Bedrog, ens.

Dit is dus net ernstige misdade. (Die lys hierbo is nie heeltemal volledig nie)

U moet asb nie mense probeer arresteer vir die volgende nie:
 Besit van dagga;
 Betreding (sonder om in te breek);
 Dronkbestuur;
 Huismoles;
 Gewone (ligte) aannranding;
 Dronkenskap;
 Verkeersoortredings;
 Vloekery;
 Enige ander geringe oortredings.
(Roep in bg. gevalle die hulp in van die SAP of die Metro Polisie om die arrestasie te doen.)

Hoe word ‘n persoon arresteer?

’n Arrestasie is ‘n formele handeling. ‘n Verdagte word arresteer deur hom fisies aan die skouer aan te raak en mee te deel dat hy ‘n arresteer word. Hy moet ook meegedeel word op watter aanklag hy arresteer word.
Dit is al.
Dis nie nodig om 'n gearresteerde te boei nie maar hy mag geboei word as hy gevaarlik is.
‘n Gearresteerde word vir praktiese doeleindes onmidellik na die Polisiestasie geneem of aan die SAP oorhandig. Skakel dadelik die sektorvoertuie en/of 10111 sowel as GPF-beheer as u iemand arresteer het.


Hulp aan Polisielede:
Laastens is daar ’n ander interessante bepaling in die Strafproseswet:
Art 47 bepaal dat elke manlike inwoner wat nie jonger as sestien en nie ouer as sestig jaar is nie, moet, wanneer hy deur ’n polisiebeampte aangesê word om dit te doen, so ’n polisiebeampte behulpsaam wees met die inhegtenisneming van ’n persoon of met die aanhouding van so ’n gearresteerde persoon.

Dit bepaal ook dat iemand wat sonder voldoende rede in gebreke bly om ’n polisiebeampte behulpsaam te wees aan ’n misdryf skuldig is en by skuldigbevinding strafbaar met ’n boete van hoogstens R300 of met gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens drie maande.

Die Polisie se riglyne is egter dat hulle nie wil hê ons moet polisie optredes soos padblokkades saam met hulle lede beman nie. Ons stem daarmee saam.

Ons verwys u ook na ons gedragskode wat deel vorm van Die Clydesdale GPF Grondwet. (Daar is ook ’n kode wat geld t.ov. die gebruik van ons radio’s.)

Ons hoop dat bogaande vir u van nut kan wees.

Ons beklemtoon net laastens dat, behalwe vir die regsaspekte, wat hierin gesê word riglyne is en waar nodig kan daarvan afgewyk word. Gesonde verstand en diskresie moet aan die dag gelê word.

GPF groete en sëenwense,

Code of Conduct of the Clydesdale CPF

Some members requested us to post a synopsis of our rules and code of conduct.
This is an extract of our rules as they appear in our Constitution:*

1. CODE OF CONDUCT

1.1. Reference to one gender shall include the opposite gender.

1.2. This Code of Conduct shall be binding on all members of the Clydesdale CPF and related structures.

1.3. No person shall be permitted as a member or hold himself out as a member unless he complies with all the requirements, responsibilities and duties expected of a member.

1.4. The members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures as envisaged in the SA Police Act must at all times act within the framework of the law.

1.5. No member of Clydesdale CPF and associated structures shall display racism, sexism, religious or any other form of discrimination towards any member or any other person.

1.6. Members will be required to do patrols unless the Executive Committee has absolved a member from this duty on good cause shown. (Absence from home of the primary breadwinner, poor health and old age may inter alia be regarded as good cause.)

1.7. Members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures, during patrols or assisting the Police, shall not carry any illegal weapons that could inflict serious bodily harm and/or damage to property.

1.8. Members shall not use or display their firearms in an unlawful manner whilst acting as members of the Clydesdale CPF.

1.9. Members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures may not address the media without the authority of the structures of the Executive Committee.

1.10. Members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures may not use their membership to promote the aims and objectives of any political party.

1.11. Members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures may not exploit their membership of the structure for their personal advantage or benefit. Similarly:
1.11.1. no donation, benefit, service or utility provided by a member to the Clydesdale CPF shall make such member entitled to any privilege or remuneration or exempt him in any manner or form from his duties and obligations as a member;
1.11.2. any agreement or alleged agreement or understanding having such an effect as contemplated in this sub-paragraph shall be deemed null and void.

1.12. Members of the Clydesdale CPF and associated structures may not divulge, to any other person, any confidential or privileged information that they may have acquired as a result of membership of the structure.

1.13. Radios and security:

1.13.1. The whole concept of the Clydesdale CPF revolves around two-way radios (“radios”) and the use thereof. It is the cornerstone of the security and function of the Clydesdale CPF. Radio usage and radio frequency should never be compromised and shall be regarded as secret and confidential.
1.13.2. It shall be required of each member to obtain his own radio that is compatible with that used by members of the Clydesdale CPF and approved by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may even prescribe valid frequencies and codes for the use of members.
1.13.3. In the case of members who cannot afford to obtain their own radios, the Executive Committee may dispense with this requirement for that reason or on some other good cause shown.
1.13.4. It is the duty of each member to ensure total safety and security of his radio (and its frequency) and to prevent unauthorized use of his radio.
1.13.5. Radios should be kept out of reach of children as the use of radios by children may compromise the safety of other members in cases of emergency. Minor children of members may only use a radio under direct supervision of the member whose radio it is or in cases of emergency.
1.13.6. Each member binds himself irrevocably to ensure that his radio will be kept in a safe place and not be used by employees or other unauthorized personnel.
1.13.7. No employee or agent of a member shall be allowed to contact any member or structure of the Clydesdale CPF without direct supervision of the member or otherwise in circumstances of extreme urgency.
1.13.8. The use of foul or offensive language or sexual innuendo is strictly forbidden.
1.13.9. Due to the important function of radios, any breach of the Code of Conduct pertaining to radios in this Constitution shall be regarded as serious and gross misconduct and will, as a rule, lead to suspension or even expulsion from the Clydesdale CPF on that ground alone.

1.14. In case of any breach of this Code of Conduct, the Executive Committee may expel any member guilty of such a breach, after due process, should the Executive Committee consider the person is no longer a fit and proper person to be a member of the structure.

1.15. Due to the possible compromises of security and security concerns of other members, any member who has been expelled from the Clydesdale CPF will be required to sell his radio (without any ancillary equipment) to the Clydesdale CPF at a market related price, or the price that he paid for it (whichever is the lesser), if it is, or had at any stage been programmed with the secret or confidential frequency of the Clydesdale CPF. Each member binds himself and warrants irrevocably that he will not refuse to do so and understands that legal steps may be taken in this regard and that he will be liable for the full legal cost thereof on the scale as between attorney and own client. Furthermore, a certificate by the Chairman of the Clydesdale CPF what the market value of the radio is and that the radio is or had at any stage been programmed with the secret or confidential frequency or code of the CPF, shall be prima facie proof thereof.


2. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND UNDERTAKINGS

2.1. Membership is voluntary and no membership fee is payable. A General or Special meeting of the members may however with a two third majority change this provision.

2.2. A member must furnish the Clydedsdale CPF with a valid cell phone number and e-mail address, if he has any.

2.3. The Clydesdale CPF is not a security company and should be seen as complimenting the duties of a security company and the SAPS, not as a substitute thereof. Members will not hold the Clydesdale CPF or any member or member of the Executive Committee liable for any loss, damage or injury sustained by virtue of any alleged or real failure by the Clydesdale CPF or any of its structures to prevent such loss, damage or injury.

2.4. Each member furthermore agrees that he joins the Clydesdale CPF voluntary and completely at his own risk and that he will not hold the Clydesdale CPF, its members or committee members liable for any loss or damage or injury caused or inflicted from whatever nature whilst exercising his rights or complying with his duties and obligations as a member of the Clydesdale CPF.

2.5. When becoming a member of the Clydesdale CPF each member binds himself to the rules of the CPF and warrants and agrees that he will indemnify the CPF for any unlawful or wrongful actions committed by him in the execution of his rights, obligations and duties as a member of the CPF.

2.6. The Clydesdale CPF shall endeavour to establish a sms system and each member consent to receiving sms material that was approved by any member of the Executive Committee appointed for that purpose but members may request that their names be removed from the sms system.

2.7. All members of the Clydesdale CPF executive committee must:
2.7.1. be vetted;
2.7.2. not have a criminal record;
2.7.3. be above the age of 18;
2.7.4. have an irreproachable character;
2.7.5. be psychological and mentally stable;

2.8. The signature of a member and the reflection of his name on the list of membership of the Clydesdale CPF shall be prima facie proof of his membership and thus proof of his acceptance of the Constitution of the Clydesdale CPF.


PS:
(*The numbering does not correspond with the paragraph numbers in the Constitution)