A partnership was formed between the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the public, to launch an initiative that was aimed at decreasing crime levels in areas that have a high volume of traffic and pedestrians, as well as hotspot crime areas.
The initiative, in the form of surveillance CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras, was implemented at the end of 2007.
Currently, there are 216 cameras installed throughout the Inner City which includes Fordsburg and other areas such as Crown Mines, Selby, Braamfontein, Doornfontein and Joubert Park.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson of JMPD, says “The Control Room that monitors the cameras and responses to crimes being committed is operational 24/7, and is situated on Rissik Street. It has fully-trained camera operators and vehicles which are independent of the rest of the police force where, at any time a crime is in progress, they are able to send officers immediately to the scene.”
“There have been 91 arrests since the implementation of the cameras, and there will be many more. People are adhering to traffic laws and crime levels have decreased because they know that they are being watched all the time. Accident statistics has also seen a large decrease with a 70% drop during the Easter weekend, which is totally amazing.”
He says crimes that were committed by many offenders included assault, bag snatching, smash and grabs, pick pocketing and cell phone thefts. The strategically placed cameras have had a huge impact on the level of such crimes committed in those areas.
The success of the initiative can only be attributed to Omega Risk Solutions, the contractors entrusted with the design, installation, implementation, operation and maintaining of the CCTV cameras.
Project Manager Mike Sankey of Omega says “We use state-of-the-art equipment with the latest technology, which is capable of picking up a crime in progress at least three kilometres away, especially when placed on a roof top. It gives a clear and accurate picture of the crime and the response of the police officers.”
There is a huge amount of SAPS and Metro police in the areas, as well as 32 plainclothes policemen with unmarked vehicles who will immediately radio in suspicious behaviour/crimes in progress. Even non-threatening crimes such as street gambling is frowned upon and immediately stopped.
“As soon as a crime occurs, it is picked up by the CCTV camera which is manned by our operators in the Control Room, who will inform the patrolling officers and they will respond immediately.”
He says that Omega’s surveillance cameras are unique from across the world because of its impressive design and high-tech capabilities. No crime goes unnoticed and unpunished, be it petty or serious. The cameras will help decrease crimes varying from minor to major, be it pick pocketing or rape.
Wayne Minnaar echoes his sentiments “There has been an 86% conviction rate due to the CCTV cameras footage. The videos are accepted as evidence in court and this ensures that criminals are dealt with severely and speedily by the law.”
He says that on 25 April 2008, 62 000 illegal weapons were destroyed at the Riviera Hotel in Vereeniging. Much of these weapons were discovered through the use of the CCTV camera, which enabled the police to confiscate and destroy them.
Mike says “The cameras have another unique aspect of being multifunctional – it not only deals with crime, but also with service delivery as it has been often noted that crime and grime go hand in hand.”
By dealing with issues such as non-functional lights, waste dumps, overgrown trees, etc., urban environment improves and criminals are not provided with easy coverage of their trade.
He says that the city has had a huge negative reputation due to crime, however with the help of the cameras and the huge efforts of the police, the CBD is now seeing a glimpse of the old vibrant life with restaurants and coffee shops opening their doors.
Many businesses closed from the mid 90s till recently, but now the winds have changed as businesses come to life around Johannesburg. This is the desired result of the initiative – a reviving of the old ways of life, a creation of security and a place that is open and welcoming.
The CCTV cameras will encourage criminals not to even think of committing crimes within three kilometres of the CBD, because they will have the eye of the law firmly planted on their shoulders, recording every single action that they carry out.
Mike says “Our police officers will materialize before they can get away and the full force of the law will be directed at them. The camera presence will ensure that citizens feel safe and they will know that crime is being monitored 24/7.”
Omega’s CCTV surveillance cameras have contributed positively towards the Urban Development initiatives of the government, and will continue to grow in volume and strength as 2008 progresses.
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