CBD SECURITY TIGHTENED WITH BODY-WORN CAMERAS ON SAFETY OFFICERS

One of my absolute favourite things to do in Cape Town is walk through the CBD. Seeing as the CBD was officially the most visited tourist attraction in 2015, clearly I am not alone. Walking in cities in South Africa can be considered high risk, but luckily for us the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) has made every effort to make it safe. You will always find a safety officer in that signature green vest patrolling the streets. Their presence brings a sense of comfort, especially if you are new to the area.

Now the CCID are turning things up a notch by implementing a six month pilot project using body-worn video devices. According to Traveller24, the city held a nine-officer trial, starting just before the festive season last year. Now around 75 body-worn cameras have been purchased for the CCID’s public safety officers. This is enough to over a full shift rotation, and the process will roll out in the next two months.

Body cameras make thugs think twice in Cape Town https://t.co/SZ5q4XqfzL pic.twitter.com/H1xqv11Vda

— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) July 19, 2016

We have already seen how effective cameras can be in security. Just recently, the ‘eye in the sky’ cameras successfully aided the police capture a suspected smash-and-grabber moments after he committed the crime. In an article by Times Live, Muneeb Hendricks‚ CCID Safety and Security Manager, says the the body-worn cameras are effective in improving service delivery by public safety officers. They are particularly effective since people immediately react when seeing a camera. This has the potential to prevent violent or disturbing situations.

The cameras will feature infrared recording capabilities, laser guides and the ability to record video, sound and rapid multiple still images. If you don’t know what any of this means, don’t worry. The CCID do, and they are training their public safety officers well. We are thankful that CCID are making every effort to keep us safe, particularly in one of my favourite parts of the city. Hats off to them.

Photography courtesy