The public can be harsh when it comes to criticising the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) for a lack of visibility. All too often we hear the statement: "Where is a police car when you need one?" This is an aspect that the residents of Westville, Durban, have little or no complaint about. It can be proven without a shadow of a doubt that, when the chaps at the SAPS Westville say they are on patrol, then they really are and this is all thanks to the help of Ctrack.
Managing logistical resources at the Westville station is station commissioner, Superintendent Singh. He is very enthusiastic about the Ctrack product, which has been fitted to 12 of the 20 station vehicles that patrol a 32 sq km radius. "The SAPS now, more than ever, needs to be transparent.
"Not only do we need to reflect our response to crime but we also need to ensure the safety of our police officers. Ctrack has been the most efficient solution that can satisfy these requirements as well as help us to control the financial aspects of running a police station effectively. We now know for a fact that our officers are where they should be, or indeed where to find them if need be."
Valuable statistics have been generated by this installation. One significant factor is the ability to pinpoint crime-infested areas. "With Ctrack, we have been able to measure and implement effective patrol routes in very little time. As one area becomes less active in crime, we intensify our patrol vehicles in another area," says Supt. Singh. "This rotation means that we are more visible and our public definitely feels better protected.
"The drivers also have more awareness, especially with regard to issues like speed limits - so while we enforce the law, we also try to obey it. There are also significant cost-savings on fuel consumption, wear-and-tear and tyre replacement, which were usually a direct result of reckless driving in the past."
Westville's application of Ctrack in its police vehicles is funded by the Community Forum, not the government, and as such the station is answerable to its residents. As more funds become available, all the new station vehicles will be equipped with Ctrack. "Crime in the Westville area has stabilised," says Supt. Singh, "and this is largely due to Ctrack creating better visibility of our vehicles on the roads. Our residents are assured that when we say we are patrolling, we really are and we have had positive public feedback. Our results have also encouraged other stations to follow suit, so we are immensely proud to have shown the way!"
The public can be harsh when it comes to criticising the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) for a lack of visibility. All too often we hear the statement: "Where is a police car when you need one?" This is an aspect that the residents of Westville, Durban, have little or no complaint about. It can be proven without a shadow of a doubt that, when the chaps at the SAPS Westville say they are on patrol, then they really are and this is all thanks to the help of Ctrack.
Managing logistical resources at the Westville station is station commissioner, Superintendent Singh. He is very enthusiastic about the Ctrack product, which has been fitted to 12 of the 20 station vehicles that patrol a 32 sq km radius. "The SAPS now, more than ever, needs to be transparent.
"Not only do we need to reflect our response to crime but we also need to ensure the safety of our police officers. Ctrack has been the most efficient solution that can satisfy these requirements as well as help us to control the financial aspects of running a police station effectively. We now know for a fact that our officers are where they should be, or indeed where to find them if need be."
Valuable statistics have been generated by this installation. One significant factor is the ability to pinpoint crime-infested areas. "With Ctrack, we have been able to measure and implement effective patrol routes in very little time. As one area becomes less active in crime, we intensify our patrol vehicles in another area," says Supt. Singh. "This rotation means that we are more visible and our public definitely feels better protected.
"The drivers also have more awareness, especially with regard to issues like speed limits - so while we enforce the law, we also try to obey it. There are also significant cost-savings on fuel consumption, wear-and-tear and tyre replacement, which were usually a direct result of reckless driving in the past."
Westville's application of Ctrack in its police vehicles is funded by the Community Forum, not the government, and as such the station is answerable to its residents. As more funds become available, all the new station vehicles will be equipped with Ctrack. "Crime in the Westville area has stabilised," says Supt. Singh, "and this is largely due to Ctrack creating better visibility of our vehicles on the roads. Our residents are assured that when we say we are patrolling, we really are and we have had positive public feedback. Our results have also encouraged other stations to follow suit, so we are immensely proud to have shown the way!"