IN Linden, they send hard-working police officers to Scotland Yard, all expenses paid for by the Community Police Forum (CPF). That's the top prize, but there are other awards: gift vouchers and certificates. The main aim is to motivate police personnel, says Christo Botes, chairperson of the Linden CPF.

According to Botes, the CPF in Linden has done more than just improve relationships between the police and the community. Among other things, the CPF has helped to upgrade the police station, putting in new carpets and furniture. Members have offered in-house training in customer care - "business type skills", he explains, - for the station's 125 police men and women.

The CPF has provided first aid kits for police vehicles, and a digital camera to use at crime scenes.

He says the CPF meets with the police once a month to discuss any problems the members of the community might have. This keeps communication lines open.

There is a monthly newsletter as well, sponsored by local business and delivered to each household in the area, giving news and information on security matters and crime trends. The latest edition gives tips on how to apply for a firearm licence.

The station commissioner at Linden police station, Senior Superintendent Mabalane Mohale, says the crimes most prevalent in the area are vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicles, house-break-ins, robbery from business premises and domestic violence. He says hijacking is fairly under control.

To counteract the above crimes, police have ensured high visibility by making sure that the police hold road-blocks from time to time.

The CPF works closely with the victim support group, whose 11 volunteers are available 24 hours a day, says Janet Voerman, who heads the group.

It is mainly there to make sure victims of violent crimes such as rape and domestic violence are assisted and given access to trained counsellors. Also, families of suicide and murder victims are supported with professional trauma counselling.

Voerman says the counsellors are mainly professionals - psychologists and social workers. Those who are not professionals have access to an ongoing training that entails: listening skills, handling traumatic situations and victims' rights.

Other tasks that the support group performs are trauma debriefing and crisis intervention, says Voerman. Crime intervention involves, for example, calming down rape victims at the police station and helping them deal with the after shock, explains Voerman.

For more information, contact Linden CPF chairperson: Christo Botes at 082 568-1239, Linden station commissioner, Senior Superintendent Mabalane Mohale at (011) 888-9211 and the Victim Support Group at 073 447-4451 (24 hours a day).