City of Cape Town has an 'Eye in the Sky' to curb crime

John Maytham interviews JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Listen below.

The City's Safety and Security Directorate has enhanced its crime prevention measures through advanced aerial surveillance technology known as 'ISR technology' or 'Eye in the Sky'.

This technology aids in combating various crimes including poaching, land invasions, fires, illegal street racing, gang incidents, and vehicle theft.

The two-seater fixed-wing aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, including infrared capabilities, provides officers with situational awareness and aerial imagery.

Unlike drones, the aircraft covers larger areas, stays airborne for longer periods, and is less weather-dependent.

While there's debate on whether helicopters would be more suitable and responsive, Smith notes that due to high costs and limited functionalities, helicopters are not viable for such scenarios.

"The Eye in the Sky is really supersizing a CCTV camera or a drone."

- JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member – Safety and Security

"The uses are quite broad, both in emergency and policing circumstances."

- JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member – Safety and Security

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