Mondeor CPF chairperson Mike Fontes said the first licence plate recognition cameras (LPR) were deployed in Mondeor Precinct Sector 1 (Glenvista, Mulbarton, Bassonia, Glenanda South and Liefde-en-Vrede) in May.
“LPR cameras detect vehicles that are wanted by SAPS entering the area and alerts the response group comprised of SAPS, JMPD, participating security companies, and CPF community patrollers,” said Fontes.
“The project has exceeded even my expectations, with vehicles wanted by SAPS stopped and impounded and in some instances drivers arrested almost daily,” explained Fontes.
“The value of this resource as an investigative tool gave our detectives the edge over criminals. Projects like this reduce crime. Part of our precinct community safety plan is to expand this project to the rest of the precinct.
“I am pleased to say that within the next few months the suburbs of Mondeor, Suideroord and parts of Winchester Hills and Allan Manor (Mondeor Sector 2A) will have their cameras up and running through the CPF (Michelle Pelser Sector 2A head) and its industry-leading partners Vumacam, AI Surveillance and participating security companies.”
He explained that the benefits of this technology is enormous and they will work to cover the remaining sectors in the precinct with LPR technology.
“I have always felt there is a need to standardise the training offered to CPF volunteers and to set norms and standards for CPF operatives not only in this precinct but throughout the entire province.
“In this precinct, we formed two sub-committees for CPF community patrollers and victim support councillors which are representative of all the sectors. They will work towards ensuring all our volunteers across the board receive the same basic training such as crime scene awareness and level,” said Fontes.
First-aid training will also set standard operating protocols to ensure uniformity of standards, which according to Fontes make them more effective and professional.
These sub-committees are set to have their inaugural meeting next month.
“We have also developed our online application with our industry-leading partner GruupUp. This application was developed by CPF people for the CPF and fit for purpose.
“This feature-rich application, which is already live, allows patrollers to view the GPS location of other patrollers, keep time and attendance reports, request assistance, complete and submit incident reports electronically.
“With the touch of a button view a heat map of crime incidents and effortlessly draw crime analysis reports. Community members may also form groups and may report suspicious activity or request assistance using this application.
“In 2021 this CPF will continue to innovate. Join me in fighting crime,” concluded Fontes.
