CoCT's 'neighbourhood policing' initiative to see metro police officers deployed in every ward
The mayor said that at least five officers would be deployed to each ward in Cape Town.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis addresses metro police trainees at the city's Observatory College. Picture: City of Cape Town
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Cape Town will be introducing "neighbourhood policing" to every ward in the metro in the coming months, with 700 new police officers set to be deployed.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the officers would form relationships with residents by building trust to help solve some of the challenges communities face.
Hill-Lewis and city Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, paid a visit to the city’s Observatory College this week, where the officers are in their final stages of training.
"These community officers will get to know their wards and their communities. They'll get to know their residents and the challenges and problem buildings and so on in the area."
The mayor said that at least five officers would be deployed to each ward in Cape Town.
"This is part of the budget that the city has passed this financial year and is a huge investment in additional safety for everyone in Cape Town."
The officers will also be armed with the latest cutting-edge technology to assist in crime fighting.