Thumbs up to ZRP for using technology to fight crime

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) continues to employ new technologies in response to the ever-changing crime trends. Recently, the ZRP rolled out speed guns and body cameras as it continues to transform its approach to crime prevention and traffic management in an increasingly complex environment.

The speed cameras have already been deployed to the highways in a bid to tame the traffic jungle that continues to claim lives on the country’s roads. Bulawayo Central and Harare Central have already started using drones to fight crime.

More resources are being availed to the police to enable them to adopt modern policing methods as they strive to keep abreast with the evolving criminal trends. In order to reduce reliance on physical police presence, the ZRP is now using the closed-circuit television (CCTV) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in both Bulawayo and Harare central business districts to enhance its policing activities.

The system leverages artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Under the system, strategically positioned cameras in the central business district (CBD) have sophisticated features such as facial recognition, night vision and vehicle plate recording devices.

This is in line with modern policing that provides real-time monitoring and analysis of activities in a given area. Police have said the CCTV and AI technology have greatly improved the ZRP policing thereby enhancing the citizens’ security.

The CCTV cameras and AI technology provide real-time monitoring and analysis of activities thereby enabling quick response to security incidents and potential threats.

The ZRP has said plans are underway to establish smart call centres across the country. These centres according to the ZRP, will be equipped with state-of- the-art communication technologies including advanced call-routing systems and real-time data tracking devices thereby enabling police to swiftly respond to emergencies, co-ordinate resources effectively and gather critical information for investigations.

The ZRP has said the introduction of smart call centres is part of a broader initiative by the Government and ZRP to implement smart policing strategies that harness the power of data, technology and community engagement.

We want to commend the ZRP for moving with the times and using technology to fight crime as criminals are always changing their modus operandi. Members of the public and the business community should continue to complement police efforts to fight crime and tame the traffic jungle.