Johannesburg Metro Police Embrace New Technology as Morero's Vision Takes Shape

Johannesburg’s efforts to modernise policing have taken a significant step forward with the rollout of advanced patrol vehicles and electronic equipment for Metro Police officers.

This development reflects a promise made by Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who, upon taking office, committed to using technology to improve public safety and law enforcement efficiency across the city.

At the time of his appointment, Mayor Morero outlined a vision of a smarter, more responsive Johannesburg, where crime prevention would be supported by digital tools.

Now, that vision is being realised as the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) unveils a fleet of patrol vehicles equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems and electronic handheld devices.

According to JMPD, over one thousand vehicles featuring this technology will soon be deployed across the city. These high-tech patrol cars will support officers in identifying stolen or unregistered vehicles on the roads in real time.

The system scans licence plates instantly, allowing officers to act immediately when a match is found against a database of wanted or illegal vehicles.

Officers on the ground have described the number plate recognition system as a breakthrough for urban policing. In a city where vehicle-related crimes, including hijackings and car theft, are a daily concern, the ability to detect suspicious vehicles without delay is seen as a major advantage.“This is a game-changer,” said one officer who has already begun using the technology. “It gives us eyes on the road in ways we did not have before.

Instead of relying only on tip-offs or physical checks, we now get instant alerts, and that helps us respond much faster.”In addition to vehicle recognition, officers have also been issued handheld devices that allow them to check a driver’s information, outstanding fines, and vehicle status on the spot.

This digital upgrade is expected to reduce delays during roadside checks and make interactions between law enforcement and the public more efficient. The technology rollout comes as Johannesburg continues to face complex safety challenges, ranging from traffic violations to organised crime.

The Metro Police’s increased reliance on smart tools is part of a broader campaign to improve accountability and effectiveness in service delivery. While introducing the new system, JMPD said the aim was not only to combat vehicle-related crimes but also to enhance visibility and rebuild trust with communities.

By deploying data-driven solutions, the department hopes to reduce crime rates and create safer neighbourhoods. Mayor Morero has welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone in achieving his administration’s goal of a technologically advanced city. “We committed to modernising our policing strategy.

This investment in technology is proof that we are moving in the right direction,” he said in a recent statement.

With more vehicles set to hit the streets in the coming months, residents can expect a greater police presence and quicker responses to incidents involving traffic and vehicle crime. As Johannesburg pushes ahead with its digital transformation, the use of smart policing tools marks a new chapter in the city’s fight against crime.