Durban Metro Police intends to apply for funding from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) for smart police operations and to develop a training college
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The Durban Metro Police Directorate (DMPD) intends to apply for funding from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) to develop a training college and purchase drone technology.
With these strategic projects, the DMPD intends to enhance smart policing operations within the eThekwini Municipality.
In a report by the municipality’s Security and Emergency Committee to the Executive Committee on Tuesday, the DMPD stated that it continues to expand its operational capacity in response to the growing demands of policing within the metropolitan area.
According to the report, CARA was established in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) and is funded through assets confiscated from criminal activities.
"The purpose of CARA is to support initiatives that strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in combating crime and enhancing public safety," the report stated.
Councillor Zandile Myeni, chairperson of the committee and deputy mayor, stated that both the proposed Metro Police Training College and the drone technology programme align with CARA's objectives, as they are intended to strengthen law enforcement capacity and improve crime prevention capabilities.
The municipality has initiated plans to establish a dedicated training college in Pinetown, as a centralised facility for training new DMPD recruits, advanced and specialised law enforcement training, instructor development programmes and dog handler training.
In addition, the college will provide tactical and operational training, advanced driver training for enforcement units, and integrated law enforcement specialised training for certain Southern African Development Community (SADC) officers, moderated by Interpol.
The proposed college is expected to improve the municipality's ability to develop a professional, well-trained, and modern DMPD capable of addressing complex crime and public safety challenges.
In addition to training development, the report stated that the DMPD is implementing smart policing initiatives, integrating modern technologies to support crime prevention and law enforcement operations, such as drone technology.
The DMPD further outlined that smart policing will enable real-time aerial surveillance, monitoring of high-crime areas, search-and-rescue operations, crowd management during major events, traffic monitoring, and accident management.
It will also allow the DMPD to respond to disasters and coordinate emergency responses, as well as monitor illegal activities such as dumping and environmental crimes.
Myeni stated that while the feasibility study and preparatory processes for the development of the training college are under way, the DMPD has identified an opportunity to seek external funding support through CARA.
This could make the college a municipal asset.
Sibonelo Mchunu, head of the Durban metro police, said he intended to have full-time attendance at the academy, and attract and train people who want to be police officers instead of job seekers.
“When they leave the academy, they must be well-trained and fit into our smart policing programme, including the use of drones,” he said.