During the staging of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Johannesburg's security network will rely on modern technology, and be managed and monitored from 24-hour emergency control centres near the two main venues - Soccer City and Ellis Park.
An important development is the deployment of a city-wide closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and recording system that links up with a national database containing biometric data. This is according to the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC), addressing the media during a tour of the nine Fifa World Cup host cities, to mark 100 days until the kick-off of the tournament.
“The CCTV network consists of 231 cameras installed at strategic locations throughout the city. It is managed from a central control room at Penmore Towers, with direct communication links to JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] reaction teams,” the committee said.
The LOC told media the main idea is to stop all crime and improve the quality of life and personal safety of all people - residents, workers, and soccer fans - so they can enjoy being in the city without fear of harm.
“The presence of CCTV cameras in the central business district has already created a sense of safety and security, the committee said. “Visitors are returning to the city centre and shops are operating later than usual.”
It also promised that visible policing will be the frontline of the city's 2010 strategy, especially at known crime hot spots. “By the start of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the JMPD will have 4 000 trained officers on the ground.”
The increased safety measures will not be confined to downtown Johannesburg, the LOC promised. The JMPD will also raise its level of vigilance in other public areas where 2010 visitors are expected to go to, including shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and entertainments complexes.
This media tour gave international journalists the opportunity to see all of SA's stadiums and hear first-hand what host cities will offer football fans and tourists during the tournament.
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