Air Guard Code of Conduct

Air Guard Code of Conduct

AfriForum Air Guard

The group of volunteers signing this code of conduct (hereafter called the “Air Guard“) is NOT a legal entity. They operate within the guidelines in this code of conduct that applies to all Air Guard members.

Code of Conduct

Air Guard members must follow the Air Guard’s standard operating procedures and this code of conduct to ensure that they manage initiatives efficiently so that they run smoothly.

1. Responsibilities
   1. Upon request, Air Guard members will undertake aerial initiatives in the interest of community safety if they, their aircraft and other equipment are readily available.
   2. When Air Guard members undertake flights for recreational or other reasons, such members shall report all suspicious or other relevant information in the prescribed manner.
   3. If necessary, Air Guard members will make a statement regarding reported sightings to facilitate the prosecution of any person who has committed a crime.
   4. Air Guard members must act at all times within the framework of the legislation of the Republic of South Africa.
   5. Air Guard members undertaking air initiatives in the interest of community safety will board in pairs whenever possible.
   6. Air Guard members’ responsibilities mainly consist of air observation, air search and air pursuit.
   7. I, the undersigned, hereby confirm and acknowledge that I am 18 (eighteen) years of age or older. I acknowledge that I know that no one under the age of 18 (eighteen) may be a member of the Air Guard and that it is impermissible for anyone under 18 (eighteen) to participate in any air initiative in the interest of community safety.
   
   
2. Conduct
   Air Guard members must not take the law into their own hands or put themselves in unnecessary danger. The Air Guard’s main purpose is to be the eyes of the ground crews in the air. The ground crews include the AfriForum neighbourhood watch, SAPS and other security role-players who act where necessary.
   
   
3. Identification
   Air Guard members must at all times have their personal identity documents and other relevant documents at hand during initiatives.
   
   
4. Conduct
   1. No racism, sexism or any other form of discrimination will be tolerated.
   2. The use of any form of alcohol and/or any other narcotic before and/or during air initiatives is strictly prohibited.
   3. If Air Guard members are guilty of a criminal offence during air initiatives where they responded to a request to undertake a flight in the interest of community safety, they may be requested to provide reasons for their conduct. If the reasons and the outcome of the investigation indicate reckless or grossly negligent behaviour, the member’s membership may be suspended.
   4. Air Guard members may not share any sensitive information they obtain in the execution of their initiatives with anyone except at the request of AfriForum and the SAPS.
   5. No Air Guard member may use their Air Guard membership for unreasonable personal gain.
   6. Air Guard members must always promote the Air Guard’s goals and image.
   7. All equipment must be used responsibly and not to the detriment of innocent people.
   8. Every Air Guard member involved in an air initiative must always have at least one form of communication with them to communicate with the control centre or ground crews.
   9. If an Air Guard member encounters a dangerous situation during a community safety initiative, the member must immediately move out of the dangerous area and take all possible steps to avoid the danger, whatever its nature.
   10. NO member of the Air Guard may provide a statement or information to the media. Only AfriForum’s head office handles media matters.
   11. The content of this code of conduct is subject to Air Guard members obeying reasonable instructions from the SAPS at all times during an initiative.
   
   
5. Cooperation with the SAPS
   1. In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act (No. 51 of 1977), any male citizen between the ages of 16 and 60 can be commissioned by the SAPS to assist them in cases where it is deemed necessary. Therefore, if the SAPS reasonably asks for help, it must be granted as far as possible.
   2. Information must be exchanged as far as possible through the designated structures and channels.

Indemnity Form

The AfriForum Air Guard (hereafter called the “Air Guard”) is NOT a legal entity. It operates within the guidelines in this code of conduct that applies to all Air Guard members.

I, the undersigned volunteer, support and subscribe to this code of conduct and acknowledge that I volunteer with the Air Guard.

I act voluntarily in my personal capacity and accept responsibility for my actions.

I, the undersigned, indemnify AfriForum, its board, employees and volunteers and the specific AfriForum branch, branch management, neighbourhood watch and any person who acts in his or her capacity to organise or coordinate any activity of AfriForum in which I participate from any claim, damage, loss, death or injury that I may sustain as a result of my participation in any Air Guard activity.

I, the undersigned, hereby agree that any criminal, civil or other action arising from any activity of the Air Guard in which I, the undersigned, participate must be brought against me and not against AfriForum, its board, employees, volunteers or the specific AfriForum branch, branch management, neighbourhood watch or any person acting in his or her capacity to organise or coordinate any activity of AfriForum in which I participate.

If legal action is indeed brought against AfriForum, its board, employees and volunteers or the specific AfriForum branch, branch management, neighbourhood watch or any person who acts in his or her capacity to organise or coordinate any activity of AfriForum in which I participate, and if any of the mentioned persons is legally obliged to pay damages due to my unlawful actions or where I have acted in violation of the code of conduct of Air Guard members, I will compensate such damages upon request, and in the event of my default, AfriForum can take action against me to recover them.

Radio Code of Conduct

This code of conduct is binding on all users of AfriForum radio networks. Violation of this code of conduct will lead to disciplinary action by AfriForum against the offender

Rules and regulations must be followed to keep the radio network effective. The radio network plays a central role in the safety of the concerned member and network user and of the community. Therefore, the radio network deserves the same respect as a firearm. Each user’s actions affect the safety of others. I, the undersigned, hereby undertake to handle the radio with respect and responsibility.

I, the undersigned, confirm and acknowledge that I am responsible for the relevant radio and all other equipment and assets that belong to AfriForum and are handed over to me. I undertake to return the equipment and/or assets to AfriForum at the end of the period of use in the same condition as in which I received them.

I, the undersigned, confirm, undertake and acknowledge that it is my responsibility to replace and/or repair the equipment/asset if it is damaged or lost in any way after I took possession of it. AfriForum reserves the right to determine at its discretion whether the equipment/asset must be repaired or replaced. I, the undersigned, will be responsible for all costs of repairing or replacing the damaged goods.