Cape Town - Working smart in the fight against crime – that’s what a pilot project is aiming for with the launch of a new app.
The idea is that criminal activities will be streamed live from cellphones to law enforcement and the police, allowing them and private security firms to respond immediately.
It was launched at Harare Square in Harare, Khayelitsha, on Monday.
Cheslan America, project manager of the African Police and Civilian Oversight Forum, said live feeds from cameras in traffic police vehicles – on the N1, R300 or other provincial roads – would be streamed to management and officers.
Google would help on the technical side of developing the Smartphone app.
“Only certain people will be allowed to view the footage. The beauty of it is that there will be no control room because it is wireless.”
The technology is part of a safety initiative by the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, municipalities, city improvement districts, and the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrade Programme.
The initiative includes safety kiosks kitted out with free wi-fi and cameras, where people can also have documents certified or statements taken.
“It will take services to people,” America said.
Premier Helen Zille said:
“Soon people will be able to go around with an app on their phones and take footage like CCTV. The use of technology is very exciting.”
She added that the safety kiosks would provide an essential link between community police forums, neighbourhood watches, residents and the police.
About 30 kiosks have been deployed around the Western Cape.
Community Safety MEC Dan Plato said the initiative was an opportunity to give back to the community.
“We see this as a partnership and would like to see more of these mobile units rolled out to disadvantaged communities and gang areas.”
Cape Argus