Cape Town: Upgradations in new technology and Safety and Security budget has been introduced. The drafted budget for the financial year 2024-25 is out now for the public comment, until April 30, 2024.
The drafted budget includes the proposed capital allocation of more than R360 million for Safety and Security.
Reportedly, the Safety and Security Directorate is a home to several departments that involves Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic Service, Fire & Rescue, Disaster Risk Management Centre, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) and other events.
Other than these there are numerous units or systems that focus mainly on support and coordination that include the Emergency Policing Incident Control System (EPIC), Information Management (SSIMS), Community Liaison Officers working with the Neighbourhood Watch Sector and more.
Another drafted capital budget by the Directorate for the year 2024-25 under R363 million includes purchasing of additional equipment such as vehicles, computers, two-way radios and firearms.
The budget also upgrades buildings including numerous fire stations, expanding the CCTV footprint and also upgrading the EPIC system.
EPIC has proposed the investments for the financial year 2024-25 that includes, spending R45 million on additional handheld EPIC devices and portable Bluetooth printers to support the contravention technologies that are being deployed through the platform and through the DashCam ANPR Programme.
The proposed investment will also spend replacing older devices in the field to ensure the officers have effective, robust and reliable technology to keep them safe, provide efficiencies and to promote safe and secure communities.
EPIC will also invest R47.4 million in various technology projects for the development to increase the reporting of incidents and to provide improved collaboration and cooperation amongst enforcement or emergency responses.
An investment of R12.5 million will also be made in the proposal by EPIC for some other initiatives that will include equipment and vehicles, drones and digital evidence management technology.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith has stated that the Safety and Security Directorate has maintained a good track record of expenditure, investment and delivery, both in the enforcement and emergency services environments.
Alderman Smith said, “We intend to build on the record in the next financial year and beyond with numerous plans in the pipeline to upgrade facilities and systems that acquire additional resources and technology, to grow immovable assets portfolio.”
“The Langa Fire Station is one of the planned big builds over the next few years and we are also in the process of expanding the training college to name a few. Everything on the radar, whether at present or in the future, is underpinned by public safety.
As per the statement by JP Smith, “The Directorate recognises the importance of technology in an ever-evolving world to augment and amplify the efforts of the staff on the ground.”
Considering one of the most recent examples a prolific traffic offender was arrested and thanks to the automated number plate recognition software.
Just few days ago, the city Cape Town availed the eye in the sky plane for use in SAPS’ investigation into the murder of one of their officers.
“We expect to see these successes become commonplace as we integrate the tech into our daily operations and more fully exploit its many benefits,” said JP Smith.