Johannesburg, 24 Feb 2006
The Technical Support Service, a component of the Crime Intelligence division within the South African Police Service (SAPS), now has another advantage over criminals.
Vodacom has invested just under R1 million towards a paperless office solution and software for the SAPS, which provides police officers with immediate access and response times to information and considerably reduces reaction time.
"Turnaround time is a critical aspect for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat crime," says Shameel Joosub, Vodacom SA`s Managing Director.
"Vodacom is excited to contribute to a solution that will speed up accessing of data by police officers from cellphone service providers, which will in turn reduce delays in cases and arrests. The solution also reduces associated costs, considerably," he says.
The SAPS has 11 technical support service offices to act as an interface with different cellular networks. The main functions of these units are to support with information requests and interface with the respective investigating officers, receive subpoenas and forward these to the relevant network.
"SAPS` first responsibility is to prevent crime and protect all our communities. With the new paperless office solution and software, not only are we able to do this job faster, but much more effectively. We thank Vodacom for making this possible and playing a crucial part in helping us combat crime," says Rayman Lalla, Divisional Commissioner Crime Intelligence.
Previously, the process was paper-based which was cumbersome at times. When a subpoena was submitted to a designated TSS co-ordinator, the co-ordinator would send the subpoena to a regional Vodacom office. The regional office would then forward it to the risk management department at Vodacom`s head office in Midrand. Upon gathering the information, the department would send it back to the Vodacom regional office which will forward it to the originating TSS co-ordinator.
By implementing the paperless solution, each technical support service office will be provided with a computer, printer and scanner, as well as a smart card to be able to encrypt and digitally sign documents. The paperless office solution and software will ensure SAPS and Vodacom communicate by sending and receiving confidential information via e-mail within a safe environment.
With the new process, the TSS co-ordinator sends the subpoena electronically through this secured environment to the risk and fraud department within Vodacom. Vodacom also responds via the system, within a 24-hour turnaround period.
Implementation of this solution therefore also guarantees that critical information needed to assist in crime breakthroughs, remains untampered with.
"By being able to access critical data faster, the process will ensure police officers are better equipped to ensure safety for our communities," says Joosub.
To ensure a seamless process, Vodacom will also provide signing software and further training in the use of the equipment.
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