In October 2022, Cape Town’s Traffic Service introduced its Highway Patrol Unit (HPU), and in its first year of operation, the unit has achieved an impressive milestone, making an average of 85 arrests per month.
This high-impact team has not only been a crucial factor in reducing incidents on the city’s major routes but has also played an important role in embracing and deploying advanced technology in law enforcement.
The Highway Patrol Unit, which commenced with 25 officers at its creation, has now expanded to a team of 33, and they’re expecting an additional 12 officers to join by early December. These dedicated officers focus on roving patrols across major routes in the city, working closely with other Traffic Service units and fellow enforcement services.
Over the past 12 months, they have made 1023 arrests for various offences, a remarkable achievement that marks them as a vital asset to the community.
Among their accomplishments, HPU officers recently seized almost a thousand mandrax tablets during a traffic stop on the N1.
What sets the HPU apart is its proactive approach to technology integration. They have been early adopters of in-vehicle camera technology and body-worn cameras as part of the Safety and Security Directorate’s tech investment.
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Their experiences and success with these tools are shaping the way for wider implementation in other units and departments.
Currently, 33 HPU vehicles are equipped with front and rear-facing cameras, as well as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras are not only capable of capturing evidence but also provide real-time feeds, enhancing situational awareness.
In one incident, officers successfully identified a taxi driver who refused to stop and drove recklessly, leading to the vehicle’s impoundment the following day, all thanks to the captured footage.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, expressed his enthusiasm about the unit’s contributions.
‘The impact of the Highway Patrol Unit cannot be underestimated, and as we increase the staff complement, we expect to see even greater returns from this team. It has been a welcome boost to our existing resources and will be an integral part of our enforcement efforts heading into the festive season.’
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Picture: City of Cape Town