CITY'S POLICY ON METRO POLICE ESCORTS

2 November 2002

To: News Editors

From: City Of Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) invariably receives numerous requests for escorts, some of which are outside the core functions of the police. These requests range from weddings, Big Brother, Sports Tournaments and tourism.

For requests that are beyond the call of duty, a certain criteria is followed in terms of an assessment of security needs for the city as whole at that moment. Following the security assessment, notice is given to the applicants about the availability of officers to escort processions in order to alleviate traffic congestion.

In addition, a nominal fee is charged for each officer and a vehicle. These requests have increased since the formation of the JMPD. We view the requests as a positive indictment to the work that Metro Police is doing.

Today, JMPD was escorting a wedding when a request for assistance came in for a hijacking incidence in Diepkloof, Soweto. Police abandoned the wedding procession and responded to the call. Two suspects were arrested for hijacking a car that belonged to Mr Irvin Hyde from Walkerville.

This demonstrates that our core functions will not be compromised by requests to escort weddings and other social processions.

This service is open to all members of the public.

For more information, please contact:

Kgotso Chikane
Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor
Tel: (011) 407 7558
Fax: (011) 339 5704
Cell: 082 464 9446
Email: kchikane@joburg.org.za