Last month, we appointed new dedicated senior patrollers to the Green Point and Oranje-Kloof areas, so that there is now at least one senior patroller in each area per shift, to provide visible policing and assist our public safety team when needed. Before, our public safety officers operated with only one senior patroller appointed to both areas each shift.
This change comes paired with the addition of three new branded patrol vehicles. In June, we received two new lock-up patrol vehicles โ one to replace an old vehicle and one additional backup vehicle, and one new non-lock-up patrol vehicle to be used by the new senior patrollers.
While, previously, each area had one designated lock-up vehicle which could detain suspects as our patrollers waited for SAPS to perform an arrest, an additional backup lock-up vehicle ensures that our team is still able to operate in the case of a lock-up vehicle being out of order.
The old patrol vehicle which is being replaced will now be used as a dedicated maintenance bakkie with a trailer, used to transport equipment and refuse. This is another great improvement to our operation as, in the past, we had to use one of the lock-up patrol vehicles for maintenance, which temporarily hindered our security team.
Our new vehicles come as a result of years of financial support from the residents and business owners in the Green Point and Oranje-Kloof areas. A big thank you to those who contribute to our services each month, as it is because of you that we are able to purchase new assets that better equip us to cater to our areasโ needs! In turn, you are helping to maintain Green Point and Oranje-Kloof as some of the most sought-after areas in the Cape in which to live, work and play.
Now, each of our patrol vehicles is occupied by one mobile officer and a second-in-command, who we now also require to have a valid driverโs licence in case one of our mobile officers is unable to work. We have built a strong team of public safety patrollers over the years, and look forward to continuing to strengthen our team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Green Point and Oranje-Kloof areas.