Cops to drive with blue lights on in the evenings
"Our slogan is squeezing the space for criminals through a declaration of a psychological war, through being everywhere all the time."
All police vehicles across the country fitted with blue lights will drive with those lights on in the evenings, in a bid to increase police visibility.
This move was part of the SAPS’s #CountryInBlue campaign, which was launched at the weekend.
The campaign was launched under the theme “extending our reach through blue light visibility”.
It is aimed at heightening police visibility across the country, reducing crime and instilling confidence among citizens.
ALSO READ: Mabopane residents shut down M21 road, demand justice for slain councillor
Through the initiative, police said their overall goal was to combat crime.
The blue lights will be switched on from 18:00 to 06:00.
“Policing has changed,” police minister Bheki Cele said during the launch which included top SAPS brass.
“Police stations are no longer the centre of policing, streets should be the centre of policing.
“More boots and blue lights on the ground not only mean police officers are visible at all times to deter criminality, but officers should also be quick to respond to the needs of communities.”
National police commissioner General Khehla Sitole said the initiative was one of several crime combating strategies aimed at maximising police visibility.
“Because we want to be everywhere all the time, we are going to introduce drone policing in certain areas to ensure that we are visible in a bid to normalise and stabilise problematic areas or hotspots,” he said.
“Our slogan is squeezing the space for criminals through a declaration of a psychological war, through being everywhere all the time.”
Police called on the public to report crime through the MySAPS App which could be downloaded on any smart phone or by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
