the Highway Patrol Unit’s efforts have resulted in 1,023 arrests for various offenses. Image-City of Cape Town.
Highway Patrol Unit makes over 1000 arrests in a year
In the past 12 months since their deployment, the Highway Patrol Unit’s efforts have resulted in 1,023 arrests for various offenses.
the Highway Patrol Unit’s efforts have resulted in 1,023 arrests for various offenses. Image-City of Cape Town.
Since its deployment in October 2022, the Highway Patrol Unit (HPU) has accounted for a remarkable 27% of all arrests made by the Traffic Service.
This dedicated unit, which began with 25 officers, now boasts 33 members, and it is set to welcome an additional 12 officers by early December, according to the City.
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Highway Patrol Unit makes over 1000 arrests
The HPU focuses on conducting roving patrols along major city routes, collaborating closely with other Traffic Service units and fellow enforcement agencies.
In the past 12 months, their efforts have resulted in 1,023 arrests for various offenses.
The outcomes have been nothing short of impressive, as incidents on some of the monitored routes have already seen a decrease.
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Notably, the HPU’s role extends beyond addressing errant motorists, as their work has uncovered valuable intelligence on other offenses and crimes.
Recently, HPU officers seized nearly a thousand mandrax tablets during a traffic stop on the N1.
Moreover, their presence is providing essential support to stranded motorists, a situation that has grown increasingly common in recent years.
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The HPU has also embraced cutting-edge technology, being an early adopter of in-vehicle and body-worn cameras.
This tech investment, a part of the Safety and Security Directorate’s initiatives, has yielded invaluable experiences that will benefit other units and departments.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, expressed his appreciation for the HPU’s role in this technological advancement.
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New developments in vehicles
To date, 33 patrol vehicles have been equipped with ffront-and rear-facing cameras, alongside Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
These cameras not only capture evidence but also provide live feeds to enhance situational awareness. In one instance, a taxi driver attempted to evade the authorities by driving recklessly.
“Thanks to the captured footage, officers successfully identified the vehicle and impounded it the following day.”
The impact of the Highway Patrol Unit cannot be understated, and as the team expands, even greater results are expected.
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Their presence has been a much-needed addition to existing resources and is anticipated to play a vital role in enforcing road safety during the upcoming festive season.
Alderman Smith shared his optimism about the HPU’s continued contributions.
