The City of Cape Town this week rolled out a new functionality within the City App. It will allow the public to report bylaw and criminal acts in just a few steps. The functionality was developed by the Emergency Policing Incident Control (EPIC) team within the City’s safety and security directorate.
The new functionality means that the public can now log certain categories of bylaw and policing incidents directly on the App, with more categories to be phased in over time, the City says. The development means a reduction in call volumes for the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC). It also offers more universal access and discretion, the City says.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, attended a demonstration and launch at the Joint Public Safety Operations Centre in Goodwood on Monday 20 April.
“We are incredibly proud and excited about this milestone. It follows the development of a functionality in 2024, linking the deaf community and people who are hard of hearing directly to the PECC via the City’s App. Now, the general public can start logging incidents too. This is but the latest way in which the City hopes to strengthen partnerships with communities and ensure access to services. So many of our successes come via tip-offs or reports from the public, just another example of how critical a role everyone has in advancing public safety,” Smith says.
Bylaw categories
For now, reports can be made in 17 sub categories, including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings and poaching.
Among the benefits of the safety and security reporting feature are:
- All reports are automatically geolocated and routed to the relevant City departments, to ensure efficient response and follow-up;
- The ability to submit accurate details, including photographs, enables faster and more effective incident reporting;
- Reports can be submitted discreetly, allowing users to log incidents without drawing attention to themselves in public spaces;
- Registered users receive safety and security alerts, helping to improve awareness of reported incidents in surrounding areas. These alerts are based on incidents logged with the City;
- Reporting via the App reduces pressure on the PECC.
Should an incident type, however, not be available for in-App reporting, the user will be redirected to the PECC number on 021 480 7700, the City says.
The City’s mobile app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Among the existing functions for users are the ability to log service requests, commenting on public issues that affect them, logging in to e-Services to access and pay their municipal bills, and accessing information on planned service outages and road closures.
READ ALSO: Cape Town’s EPIC System records more than 2,8 million incidents and activities in last decade
