Lights, camera, action: Bodycams go live in Cape Town
The Western Cape leads the way as bodycams go live in Cape Town, along with millions more in police-enforcement technology.
Following calls from the parliamentary police committee after Cape Town’s eight-day taxi strike, it’s lights, camera, action as bodycams go live in the province, reports Business Day.
BODYCAMS GO LIVE
We covered a story earlier this week (29 August 2023) about renewed calls from members of parliament for police officers to wear body cameras in SA. These calls were aimed at improving safety and accountability, and rooting out bribery and corruption in the country.
TRENDING: City of Cape Town turns its zero-tolerance approach onto motorists
Now, as bodycams go live in the City of Cape Town, provincial government has divulged more details on its bold policing plans. Accordingly, the cash injection goes hand-in-hand with the province’s zero-tolerance approach to policing.
AUTOMATED NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION
Besides the bodycams, in-vehicle cameras with automated number plate (ANPR) technology are being introduced. Accordingly, this is the backbone of Cape Town’s R860-million safety technology investment over the next three years in the city.
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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed bodycams go live on 800 officers and 300 in-vehicle dashboard mounted cameras will also be installed this year. “And today we take the next big step forward in our investment in new technology to make Cape Town safer,” said the mayor.
SERVE WARRANTS INSTANTLY
“Our dashcams are equipped with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology so officers will be alerted instantly to wanted vehicles and outstanding warrants. Along with bodycams, the technology will massively enhance situational awareness and the quality of evidence gathering,” concluded Hill-Lewis.
What are your thoughts on Cape Town being the first major metro to roll out bodycams? Do you think the city’s zero-tolerance approach to crime will yield results? Share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below.