Upgrades, new tech and more in draft Safety and Security budget

21 April 2024

The Safety and Security Directorate is home to numerous departments including Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic Service, Fire & Rescue, Disaster Risk Management Centre, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) and Events.

There are numerous other units/systems that focus on support and coordination, including the Emergency Policing Incident Control system (EPIC), Information Management (SSIMS), Community Liaison Officers working with the Neighbourhood Watch sector, and more.

The Directorate's draft capital budget for 2024/25 is just under R363 million.

This includes purchasing additional equipment like vehicles, computers, two-way radios and firearms, expanding the CCTV footprint, upgrading buildings including numerous fire stations, and upgrading the EPIC system.

'The Safety and Security Directorate has a good track record of expenditure, investment and delivery, both in the enforcement and emergency services environments. We intend to build on that record in the next financial year and beyond, with numerous plans in the pipeline to upgrade facilities and systems, acquire additional resources and technology, and to grow our immovable assets portfolio. The Langa Fire Station is one of our planned big builds over the next few years, and we are also in the process of expanding our training college, to name a few. Everything on our radar, whether currently or into the future, is underpinned by public safety,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City currently has 32 fire stations. The scoping and initial planning work for fire station number 33 will get under way in 2024/25, with projected completion and overall spend of just over R50 million in the 2026/27 financial year.

The property improvements to increase the capacity for the Directorate's Training College will also run over three financial years, with the flagship campus to be situated in Muizenberg.

EPIC is also set for a capital injection in the draft budget.

The technology and communication platform allows for an integrated approach for the City's Safety and Security departments and emergency services.

EPIC command is also tasked with the procurement and integration of various tools like dashboard mounted cameras, body-worn cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition solutions, and aerial policing solutions like drones and the Eye in the Sky.

The proposed investments in EPIC in the 2024/25 financial year include:

R45 million on additional handheld EPIC devices and portable Bluetooth printers to support the contravention technologies being deployed through the platform and through the DashCam ANPR Programme. It will also be spent 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.
R47,4 million for various technology projects in development to expedite reporting of incidents, and to provide improved collaboration and cooperation amongst enforcement or emergency responses
R12,5m for other initiatives, including equipment and vehicles, drones and digital evidence management technology

'The Directorate recognises the importance of technology in an ever-evolving world, to augment and amplify the efforts of our staff on the ground. In one of the most recent examples, a prolific traffic offender was arrested, thanks to automated number plate recognition software. Just a few days ago, the City 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,' added Alderman Smith.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

JP Smith EPIC budget Fire and rescue service vehicles equipment safety and security Langa Muizenberg Metro police