The annual awards ceremony commended staff in a number of categories, including Bravery, Service Excellence, and the coveted Officer of the year.

Law Enforcement officer, Regional Inspector Jason Hamilton was adjudged Safety and Security Directorate Officer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony today.

Hamilton was acknowledged for his efforts in the establishment, and supervision of the Directorate’s Neighbourhood Safety Team concept, as well as the Law Enforcement Auxiliary Volunteer Service.

The City rolled out its first NST in Delft in December 2017 earlier this year, the second NST was launched in Bonteheuwel and surrounds.

Fittingly, the Delft NST was awarded the Law Enforcement ‘Team of the Year’ for 2019.

Below is an extract from Alderman JP Smith’s address at the ceremony:

‘This is a great team of can-do people. People who make things happen and usually quickly. This is one Directorate in this City whose efficacy people do not question. Our challenge remains resources to meet the huge and growing public expectation.

The last time we received a meaningful push with resources was in 2009, before the FIFA World Cup. This year was marked by much growth and additional budget for staff, facilities, equipment and vehicles. We have started to fix the backlogs.

For many of you, this is not a job, but a passion – a calling which you keep returning to because you know that your work has saved a life, solved a problem, fixed community conflict or prevented problems just by you being around. All of you make the lives of people out there better every day.

You serve your communities and are recognised by the young people of the City as role models and leaders. Many young people look to you for inspiration and protection they respect you and the uniform. Thank you for setting such sterling examples. I appreciate it, and the broader Cape Town community appreciates it.’

Source: City Of Cape Town