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Evidence Based Policing
Cape Town Hotspot Patrols

How can we improve policing where it matters most? A Cape Town hotspot patrol project undertaken with the South African Police Service, the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town achieved encouraging reductions in violent crime.

Police walking: Example of foot patrols in Khayelitsha (2024) - Image from ISS report

Example of foot patrols in Khayelitsha (2024) - Image from ISS report

ISS

A comprehensive new report drafted by our partner team in the Institute for Security Studies Pretoria gives a detailed overview of the project, including the methodology and insights gained. 

It also explains how this strategy was different and lists key changes to improve hotspot policing:

• Short patrols

• Highly targeted patrols 

• Tracked implementation

• Focused evaluation

Group: Image from ISS report: Feedback meeting participants

Image from ISS report: Feedback meeting participants

ISS

“This approach was more precise, measurable, and resource-efficient than traditional hotspot policing, ensuring better implementation and clearer insights into its effectiveness.”  (ISS report, page 14)

The project in high-crime areas in Cape Town was accompanied by regular focused exchanges with practitioners and experienced police specialists from South Africa and Germany. 

A new phase is being planned now.

We are grateful for the support from the Bavarian State Chancellery.

 

 

 

Find the complete research report published by the ISS here:


What works for hotspot patrols in Cape Town: Promoting high-performance policing

 

 

 

 

 

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