Police morale boosted by renowned guru

The morale of South African Police Service officers is getting a boost from well-known human behaviourialspecialist Dr John Demartini.

This Demartini Institute initiative, partnered by The Star newspaper and The Community Policing Forum(CPF), is intended to inspire and empower the people who play such an integral role in protecting SouthAfricans.

The morale of South African Police Service officers is getting a boost from well-known human behaviourialspecialist Dr John Demartini.

This Demartini Institute initiative, partnered by The Star newspaper and The Community Policing Forum(CPF), is intended to inspire and empower the people who play such an integral role in protecting SouthAfricans.

The talk titled “The Hero Within” started in Johannesburg in April and was rolled out nationally in July. Thepurpose of the first talk was to inspire vision and the second one was designed to address practical steps toassist the SAPS take their inspiration into action. His clear message to the police is “one moment, one day,one decision and one individual can make a difference.”

Police morale boosted by renowned guru (Created: 1 September 2008)Page 1 of 2http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/index2.php

In his talks, Dr Demartini reminded the police why they became police members in the first place. That iswas a calling to protect their community and make a difference in people’s lives. “If you lose sight of thereason you wanted to do something in the first place, you’ll lose your vision, inspiration and sense of value,”he said.

He spoke about having a vision and a cause to make a contribution to South Africa. He highlighted theimportance of believing in and valuing oneself. “When you value yourself, it becomes a ripple effect andothers begin to value you,” he said.

He likened their fight against crime to moving a large boulder. “It is tough at first, but the boulder startsmoving slowly and it eventually gains great speed or momentum.”

“You can create or build almost anything through persistent action and by momentum and this can beapplied successfully to crime fighting.”

Dr Demartini said life is designed to be challenging and only through challenge can we grow. He explainedthat focusing on problems alone is futile and that great things can be achieved by concentrating efforts onsolutions and by taking accountable actions. Dr Demartini shared that in most of his talks and interactionsin South Africa, in his experience the majority of South Africans are truly behind the police force and aregrateful for their persistent efforts and accomplishments.

He urged them to hold onto their vision of possibility, have clear objectives and apply prioritised actions thathave a high probability of achievement and make sure that their vision is bigger than any criminal’s. “If mancan set foot on the moon through one man’s vision, you can, as a collective force, change the crimestatistics in South Africa,” he said.

Judging by the feedback from a number of police officers, Demartini may have achieved his goal.Sophiatown station commander Director Michelle Pretorius said hearing Demartini’s life story, the obstacleshe had to overcome and his determination to make his dream a reality made her realise that police officersneed to dig deeper and get motivated. “We give up too easily sometimes,” she said, but added that she wasinspired to accomplish more.

Director Alan Billings, the Sandton station commander, said Demartini’s faith in possibilities and each SAPSmember’s ability to make a difference had moved him. “There’s hope,” he said.

Two more officers, who were interviewed on 702 the morning after the first talk, enthused about theinspiring effect of the talk, leaving a sceptical John Robbie with a change of heart.

Johannesburg Area Commissioner Oswald Reddy said he believed Demartini had “reignited the fire”.

“Despite the constraints and challenges that our officers face daily, a caring and highly motivated workforcecan make a difference,” he said. He added police work used to be a “calling” but this seems to havechanged. “We need to get that passion back.” After 27 years service he states that the Police Servicesalone are not going to reduce crime. “It requires a huge shift in the minds of our Police plus the backing ofevery community,” he says.

This year, approximately 1350 personnel from the SA Police, Johannesburg Metropolitan PoliceDepartment (JMPD) and the Emergency Services (EMS) have had the opportunity to share in the wisdomof Dr Demartini. During future visits, his goal is to reach them all.

Police morale boosted by renowned guru (Created: 1 September 2008)Page 2 of 2http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/index2.php