Nearly R50 million has been earmarked for additional and replacement CCTV cameras around the city in the new financial year, as well as gunshot detection technology, as part of Cape Town’s CCTV Rollout Plan.
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Just over R80 million is intended for various technological interventions, including dash and body cameras, CCTV and drones.
The rollout plan advises on priority areas for CCTV installations, engagement with key stakeholders like the South African Police Service, businesses and NPOs, guidelines for the usage of data in determining CCTV locations, partnerships with private CCTV owners and a standard operating procedure for infrastructure installation.
With the 2023/24 budget allocation, the directorate also plans to procure more advanced dashboard cameras with ANPR functionality and introduce body cameras.
‘The increased use of digital tools has long been on the cards, and we want to accelerate its implementation to see how it can best serve our enforcement needs, and make our city safer,’ explained Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith. ‘Already we are seeing very good results with the dashboard cameras that are in use, helping to track down stolen vehicles, or vehicles used in the commission of a crime, and of course, motorists with outstanding warrants and more.’
‘The body cameras will provide digital evidence to assist in the prosecution of offenders, but can also increase officer safety, improve situational awareness and can also serve as a safeguard for the public, as well as our staff, particularly where claims are made.’
With the proposed budget for the 2023/24 financial year, it is envisioned that the Directorate will procure 400 body cams, 50 dash-cams, 10 fixed cameras and 20 mobile cameras.
In terms of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones), the directorate is using a transversal City tender to deploy drones during enforcement and emergency operations, while it completes the process of acquiring its remote operating certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Over the longer term, the vision is to establish an Aviation Unit within Safety and Security.
‘We live in an ever-changing world, and it is imperative to supplement boots on the ground with the necessary tools to fight crime and lawlessness head on. Our draft budget caters for more staff, ongoing training and associated resources like vehicles, uniforms and firearms. The ongoing investment in digital tools and advancements will provide a very useful boost to our overall deliverables,’ added Smith.
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Picture: Supplied / CoCT