PRESENTATION TO PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DURBAN METRO POLICE


INTRODUCTION

The Durban Metro Police was established in May 2000 through the amalgamation of the surrounding local traffic departments and the then Durban City Police. The Durban City Police formed the core of the Metro Police in that the bulk of staff, +-60% police the old Durban area.


PURPOSE STATEMENT


The purpose of the Durban Metro Police Service is to provide an efficient traffic, bylaw and crime policing to the residents and visitors of the Ethekwini Municipality in such a way that their safety and well-being is ensured, as well as ensuring that Council's assets and personnel are protected on a daily basis.


IMPACT OF POLICING


Statistics covering a period from 2000 to 2004 are attached.


DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR CRIMES


Information relating to specialised sections throughout Metro and various statistics for each region are attached.


SIZE OF POLICE


The Metro Police police an area of 98 kilometers, stretching from Cato Ridge to Scottburgh and Tongaat.


ROLE OF PARTICIPATION OF COMMUNITY


Metro Police participates in all the CPF's and sub-committees and other committees pertaining to safety, especially along the beachfront.


MANAGEMENT ISSUES : ACCOUNTABILITY


The management of Metro Police are accountable to the Deputy City Manager administratively and politically to the Metro Police Sub-Committee and Oversight Committee.


RELATIONSHIP WITH EXCO


As mentioned above, Metro Police reports are scrutinised by the Sub-Committee prior to them being referred to the Executive Committee. There is no direct reporting to Exco.


WOMEN EMPOWERMENT


No special programmes have been put in place to address women empowerment


WORKING RELATIONS WITH SAPS


There is a cordial relationship between Metro Police and SAPS. Joint operations and event management are arranged.


RESOURCES OF METRO POLICE


The areas that need special attention in terms of resources are the erstwhile local council, especially the black areas.


PUBLIC IMPRESSION OF THE METRO POLICE


No survey has been conducted to gauge the impression of the community.


GENERAL CONDUCT OF POLICE FORCE


Disciplinary action is taken against officers who fail to adhere to legal process and opt for illegal practices.


TREATMENT OF WOMEN OFFICERS IN METRO POLICE


Our enforcement women are not treated differently, but issues that the department has to adhere to in terms of the Labour Relations Act and policies of Council, women are treated differently.


HAS CCTV PROVED TO BE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTOR


The effect of CCTV cameras have been immense. Presently, the CCTV room is being upgraded in order to give effect tot he surveillance. The areas of constant surveillance are the CBD, International Convention Centre and the beachfront.


An extension of the CCTV system is being envisaged to expand to Pinetown CBD, kwaMashu and Cato Manor.