PRASA has already made great strides in bringing down the number of security incidents affecting its operations. As part of its broader PRASA Rail Security strategy, the rail operator hopes that the addition of over 1 400 security personnel at its high-tech forward bases will further strengthen its crime prevention efforts.
By Larry Claasen
THE Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) is getting serious about fighting crime on the tracks with the establishment of dozens of “forward bases,” which will enable its security personnel to respond to crime incidents within minutes.
The rail utility has committed to spending R1,5-billion on security in its Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), according to its corporate plan for the 2024 to 2027 period.
This will see it setting up at least 57 forward bases, which will cover a radius of 35km, and have a staff complement of 25 members allocated to each of them. This means there will be well over 1 400 security personnel stationed at its high-tech security bases.
High-tech equipment towers PRASA’s new security bases
These bases will come with state of the art equipment and infrastructure, which will operate independently from the power grid.
“The forward bases will be resourced with drone operations and localised monitoring of operational centres and assets.”
In addition, the bases will have ballistic level 3 ballistic armour – which is designed to protect against a variety of rifle rounds – as a way to protect against potential attacks on personnel.
Rapid response and armoured vehicles in crime hotspots
The idea behind these forward bases is to offer a rapid response to security incidents.
“The intention of having forward bases is to ensure that security is within close proximity to the assets that require protection to ensure a response time of approximately 5 – 10 minutes.”
The bases will also come with armoured and vehicles in hotspot crime areas.
“A minimum of two eight-man carrier armoured vehicles will be deployed at each forward base as a response unit to a potential threat against assets and infrastructure.”
PRASA says these vehicles will conduct routine patrols and will be utilised in conjunction with other technologies deployed at the forward bases.
The passenger service operator also says it will not wait for crimes to happen before it takes action, as it will be gathering intelligence to preempt and manage external threats.
C4iSTAR System: PRASA and ARMSCOR’s tech-driven solution
This commitment to increased security is part of PRASA’s C4iSTAR – Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance – security solution it has developed in partnership with ARMSCOR.
The C4iSTAR solution includes the armoured response vehicles, armoured command and control vehicles, and armoured forward bases, which will have integrated communication solutions. C4iSTAR will also result in more firearms, such as high-calibre rifles for the PRASA reaction force, being procured.
Though the bases are in the process of being set up, PRASA has already improved security at some of its key facilities.
“Four depots, namely East London, Paarden Eiland, Salt River and Springfield depots, have fully implemented the e-security solution. In addition, it is expected that the technology will continue to drastically reduce crime that impacts passenger rail services.”
The programme also includes the installation of CCTV in critical operational areas such as substations and tie stations, drone operations, high site radio towers, warehouses and control rooms.
Its efforts are paying off as it has been able to reduce the number of security incidents by 80%, to under 1 000 for the 2022/23 period, from a high of 4 747 in 2019/20.
PRASA protection officers gain policing powers
The addition of the bases, new infrastructure and equipment further supports PRASA’s Protection Services Officers, who have been designated Peace Officers under the Criminal Procedures Act. This means they have the power to make arrests, enforce certain laws, and conduct searches and seize evidence under specific circumstances.
In effect, the powers and resources of the Protection Services Officers means they will in effect become the new South African Railways Police, which was used to protect the country’s rail infrastructure, harbours and international airports. In 1986, it along with its 16 000 officers was merged into the then South African Police Force.
Though the PRASA’s Protection Services Officers share similarities with the old South African Railways Police, it is a far more sophisticated operation, as it is looking to use technology as a force multiplier.
By leveraging technology, in combination with the bases, it thinks it can cut the number of security boots on the ground.
“Implementing the forward bases will mean that physical security can be reduced over three years.”
