Eighty-five Metro Police officers have in the past 12 months been attacked while on duty. The City of Cape Town’s JP Smith says this is an increase from last year, when 73 staff members were victims of attack.

MMC JP Smith says, “Currently, the Metro Police Department has access to 250 body-worn cameras that captured approximately 1,700 hours of footage in a six-month period.”

Eighty-five Metro Police officers have in the past 12 months been attacked while on duty

The City’s Safety and Security MMC, JP Smith, says the recent spike in attacks on Metro Police officers often occurred in communities that demand more visible policing. He says they’ve recorded a 33% increase in attacks on officers in the last year.

“In the coming months, the Metro Police Department will see a significant boost, with 700 new staff members deployed as part of the dedicated ward policing plan, ” said MMC JP Smith.

Recent spike in attacks on Metro Police officers

At the same time, Smith notes that in the last two years, the City has rolled out body-worn and in-vehicle cameras to help gather evidence and also act as a layer of protection for staff. Alderman Smith says it’s hoped that, over time, they can use these tools to identify and arrest perpetrators to help send a strong message that these attacks will not be tolerated.

In the past 12 months, Metro Police officers:

• made 4,549 arrests
• recovered 22,751.5 units of drugs, 71 firearms, 50 imitation firearms, 1,150 rounds of ammunition and 67 stolen vehicles
• issued 166,908 fines for various traffic and by-law transgressions
• screened 25,922 drivers for alcohol use
• Conducted nearly 7,500 operations
• Responded to 2,215 incidents on the N2 and R300 as part of dedicated hotspot patrols

Smith says at the same time, Metro Police officers put 4,549 suspects behind bars. He states that the arrests were made during the last financial year. He added that it’s anticipated that the additional staff members coming into the fold from September will further boost operational outcomes. The recruits have completed their training as part of Project 1,000. 

Smith also said that in addition, 44 additional Metro Police officers will work on a shift rotation to shore up patrols on the N2 and surroundings.