CPF takes charge in smart car
Fitted with advanced technology, new patrol vehicle aims to reduce crime on streets of Durban North, umhlanga
THE DURBAN North and umhlanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) has bolstered its crime-fighting capacity with a new patrol vehicle which is fitted with advanced technology.
This comes after the CPF recently partnered with Visec Surveillance Software which donated a VW Golf GTI fitted with cameras and licence plate recognition software.
Chairperson Haden Searls said the dedicated vehicle, which was said to be the first of its kind, could detect wanted cars immediately and produce data while on the road.
He said the vehicle was also linked to more than 100 municipal and private cameras in the area.
“We have fitted a number of cameras. This car will read the number plates of vehicles passing on the cameras and then determine whether those vehicles have been involved in any criminal activities.
“We have received sponsorship of 10 additional cameras which will ensure all strategic spots are monitored. The vehicle has the same technology as a satellite station you normally find on the roadside.
“It is a live feed which sends data to the control room for verification.”
Searls said the vehicle was not made to chase anybody and they would not “harass people” but work in partnership with the police.
They were also in the process of registering the project with the Durban North police to have open channels of communication and to be able to protect the residents of the area, he said.
“In the first three weeks, this vehicle has intercepted about five vehicles. In conjunction with SAPS, they searched those vehicles. One of the suspects was detained by Durban North police.”
Shaun Russouw, the Visec agent, said it decided to work with the CPF because it played a big role in crime fighting. Visec also aimed to offer more of those hi-tech cars to other communities, free of charge.
“I feel the vehicle and its technology will add value to the north Durban community and will aid the police to help protect the area. Just as crime evolves, we as security personnel and community members need to evolve and embrace new age technology.”