In a remarkable year for public safety, Metro Police officers have made substantial strides in crime prevention and enforcement, securing the arrest of 4 549 suspects over the past 12 months. This concerted effort has resulted in the recovery of a staggering 22 751.5 units of drugs, 71 firearms, 50 imitation firearms, 1 150 rounds of ammunition, and 67 stolen vehicles, demonstrating a robust response to crime across the region.

In addition to these serious arrests, a significant number of traffic law offenders faced consequences as well, with the issuing of 166 908 fines for various traffic and by-law contraventions. This effort reflects a commitment to maintaining safety on the roads, a critical concern for both law enforcement and community members.

The Metro Police have also taken initiatives to ensure road safety, screening 25 922 drivers for alcohol use and conducting nearly 7 500 operations aimed at maintaining order. Furthermore, dedicated hotspot patrols on the N2 and R300 resulted in 2 215 responses to incidents, underscoring the proactive measures being implemented to enhance public safety.

However, the year has not been without its challenges. The Metro Police reported a troubling increase in attacks on its staff members, rising to 85 incidents from 73 the previous year. This 33% uptick highlights a concerning trend where officers, tasked with ensuring community safety, are themselves under threat.

“The increase in attacks is disappointing, but not surprising,” said JP Smith, the Mayco member for Safety and Security.

“We have, in recent years, seen a level of brazenness directed at enforcement services – often from the very communities who demand visible policing.”

Smith emphasized the consequences of such violence, noting that the impact is far-reaching: “Staff need time off to deal with trauma or recover from injury. Damaged vehicles need repairs. This, in turn, means fewer staff on shift, fewer patrol vehicles, and a less effective enforcement response when it is needed.”

In response, the City has initiated a technology rollout of body-worn cameras and in-vehicle cameras for officers, designed to not only gather evidence but also serve as a protective measure. Currently, the Metro Police Department possesses 250 body-worn cameras that recorded approximately 1 700 hours of footage in a six-month span, providing crucial documentation of interactions with the public.

“It is hoped that, over time, we can use these tools to identify and arrest perpetrators to help send a strong message that these attacks will not be tolerated,” said Smith.

The recent developments do not end here. A significant boost is on the horizon for the Metro Police Department as 700 new staff members are set to be deployed as part of a dedicated ward policing plan after completing their training in Project 1000. Additionally, 44 more officers will be incorporated into the shift rotation to bolster patrols along the N2 and its surrounds, enhancing surveillance in critical areas.

“We look forward to the additional investments in our Metro Police Department and our broader public safety efforts,” said Smith.

“But I also want to commend the staff for the work done in the last year. The enforcement space is a challenging one, and to witness the daily successes is a source of immense pride.”

Source link