Following years of research, City of Cape Town law enforcement has just launched in-vehicle dash and body-worn cameras that will be used by officers as part of its latest technology-driven, evidence-led policing approach.
‘Today, we launch the biggest technology integration solution Africa has ever seen!’ expressed Mayco member for Safety JP Smith.
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Smith said law enforcement vehicles will now be fitted with front- and rear-facing smart cameras with Automated Number Plate (ANPR) technology that will be able to scan any vehicle on the road and alert the officer to any flagged vehicles immediately.
‘From outstanding fines, warrants, wanted persons, hijacked or stolen vehicles, everything is covered,’ said JP Smith.
‘This rollout is the first of its kind in South Africa and forms part of the City’s R860 million safety technology investment over the next three years to make Cape Town safer.’
The City will install 290 in-vehicle dashboard mounted cameras or ‘dashcams’ and equip 800 of its officers with bodycams this year.
Smith added that the body-worn cameras will ensure accountability from both criminals and law enforcement officers as the cameras are able to automatically record officers’ activity, allowing the City’s Law Enforcement control room to hear and see everything the officer does in real time.
The footage recorded will also be able to be used as evidence in court.
‘Digital evidence is vital in the prosecution of offenders, and we are expecting the body-worn cameras on officers to provide crucial footage that can be used in court, ensuring a higher rate of successful convictions,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Smith explained that the use of the technology is in line with international best practices for ‘improved, professional policing with advanced protection of our officers and reputable evidence.’
‘This also increases trust and accountability in the municipal police and law enforcement, as interactions with the public will now always be recorded. This is important to us,’ added Hill-Lewis.
‘We want Cape Town’s safety services to be trusted by the public, even while trust in other law enforcement agencies is declining.’
With these additions joining the City law enforcement GPS-based vehicle tracking dispatch system, CCTV integration, Shotspotter firearm acoustics technology and drone aerial surveillance integration that are already in place, ‘Cape Town now has the most technically advanced policing environment in the whole of Africa,’ added Smith.
Cape Town’s overall tech investment totals R860 million and includes:
- R118.4 million on CCTV
- R118 million on dash and bodycams
- R109 million for aerial surveillance
- R22 million on drones
- R10 million on gunshot location technology
- R442 million on licence plate recognition EPIC digital coordination, radios, comms systems, IT and network upgrades
The City’s says the aim is to continue gradually rolling this advanced equipment to help with the apprehension and conviction of offenders and enhance overall safety in Cape Town.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
